Canada Celebrates Kwanza 010919

CANADA CELEBRATES KWANZAA

On January 1st, 2019, the Canadian Kwanzaa Association (CKA) celebrated Kwanzaa, the Pan-African holiday, at Nathan Philips Square in Toronto for the first time; making it the first Canadian proclamation for Kwanzaa week in Canada’s history. The Toronto 3D Sign lit up in red, black and green, representing the lighting of the seven candles during the seven-day ceremony held from December 26th to January 1st.

This year marks the 52nd Anniversary of Kwanzaa since it

SHAUNA-KAY CASSELL/TORONTO CARIBBEAN

was first established as a holiday in 1966, by Dr. Maulana Karenda in Oakland, California. Kwanzaa is rooted in the African culture, and derived from a Swahili phrase meaning, “first fruits of the harvest.” The observance was meant to help the African diaspora in the Americas or (pan Africans) reconnect to their African Culture. The holiday is now celebrated by pan Africans around the world to com memorate family, community, and culture. “Celebrating Kwanzaa in Canada is a means of expressing

our emancipation and is a continuation of the efforts of our elders and ancestors who fought for our equality and inclusion in this country,” says Dewitt Lee III, Founder of the Canadian Kwanzaa Association. “As African Canadians, it is important to begin building our own cultural customs and traditions and Kwanzaa gives a foundation to begin that journey…” emphasized

Continued On Page

Written by Alyssa Mahadeo

Kavita Suri Creating a Beautiful Lifestyle

Award-winning, Canadian celebrity makeup artist Kavita Suri, was born and raised in Toronto to Indian parents.

It was a strict and somewhat flexible upbringing once they got past the culture shock of the freedom desired by growing up in western culture, but Kavita says that she and her siblings are thankful that her parents raised them to appreciate their Indian heritage, and also allowed them to discover their own paths for themselves.

“Growing up, my parents instilled the values of faith and family, to make sure that we’re always taking care of each other, to communicate and work through any issues we might have, and also to be ourselves and be good people to others always,” Kavita shares.

Although her life has taken a more entrepreneurial route, Kavita had wanted to become a police officer. However, after speaking with her career counsellor,

was interested in having a family when she got older, it would be a tough path to take.

Reflecting on the advice she was given now, Kavita is in her 30s and so deeply invested in her career that starting a family isn’t high on her current list of priorities.

“His advice made sense at the time, he told me that for a reason, but it also steered me towards my second choice for a career and that was makeup artistry and that really was where everything unfolded in the way that it needed to,” she explains.

When Kavita started dabbling in the world of makeup artistry, the industry was nowhere near what it is today. Since the era of video tutorials, almost anyone can go online and learn the whole step by the step application process.

“My friends would come over and ask me to do their makeup because they knew I had an interest in it,” Kavita shares.

“I was also a model for a South Asian agency and through that I became acquainted with a girl who mentioned to me about a cosmetics line she was creating.”

eventually came around, once they saw the fruits of her labor and the success she had wrought for herself making what they thought was just a hobby into a successful business.

“Your parents want the best for you, they want you to have a stable job, a husband and kids, but everyone has their own journey and path. I just tell them I’m living my best life and I’m happy and that’s all that matters.”

It took many years for Kavita to reach that point, to finally win the support of her parents and with over 15 years of experience in the industry, Kavita is a gamechanger, developing a brand for bridal beauty while also running a medical spa, beauty academy and her own skincare line, InfuseDerm.

“I started my makeup services at the age of 19, by the time I was 25 I was working toward opening my own spa in Yorkville, and with God’s grace and a lot of hard work it’s doing well,” Kavita says.

“Being an entrepreneur is something that you sign up for and you make a hard commitment to. There were times when I considered throwing in the towel as it isn’t easy and these are the things that we don’t share with people because everything always has to look okay.”

Through her acquaintance, Kavita had the opportunity to further develop her makeup application skills by helping out during photo shoots, and that brand developed into something that helped to pave her career in the cosmetics industry.

“The line, developed into what we know now as Toronto based brand Vasanti

“I’ve never looked at being a woman of color as a disadvantage, it was an advantage for me because I looked different and with having a unique look it automatically attracts people to ask ‘Who is this girl here in Toronto doing her thing?’ and I’m proud to be a representative for

In addition to all that she has achieved, negativity is a big part of the entrepreneurial journey and most important is dealing with it once you reach a level of success where people will stop at nothing to bring you down. “When that happens I honor my feelings, I don’t retaliate that’s not who I am and it’s not my responsibility to teach them their lesson, and I delete myself from them. I let them go in whichever way I need, knowing that this no longer serves me and my higher purpose,” Kavita explains.

“Surround yourself with strong positive women that will help you through the loops, ask questions, find mentors within your industry, they can guide you to discover things you never even knew.”

all management of the Festival Management Committee (FMC) and the production of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Canada’s celebration of freedom and diversity.

The new GM brings 30 years of experience in business management, tourism, and hospitality to the 52nd year of the Caribbean Carnival celebrations in Toronto.

Summertime in Toronto is host to some of the biggest cultural festivals in the city celebrating Canadian diversity and the many people that make up our nation.

This year, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival will celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the festival, and on this year’s frontline, they welcome newly appointed General Manager Richard de Lima.

Richard de Lima was officially appointed as General Manager of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival at the beginning of last month and will be responsible for the over-

In addition to a 30-year career in engineering and business management, including experience working for major tourism, hospitality and entertainment organizations in Canada, the Caribbean and other international locations, de Lima brings a passion for Carnival arts and culture, with his 43 years as a “mas maker”, masquerader and steelpan aficionado.

“We are grateful to be working with an executive that combines both the required operational skills along with a deep knowledge of and passion for Caribbean Carnival operations”, says Joe Halstead, FMC Chairman.

“We look forward to our 52nd year of the celebration under his guidance and leadership.”

The Toronto Caribbean Carnival is

an exciting four-week cultural explosion of Caribbean music, cuisine, and revelry. It is the largest cultural event in Canada and the largest outdoor festival in North America. Taking place from July 7th to August 11th, 2019, and since this year marks the 52nd anniversary of the carnival in Toronto it will feature more floats, music, celebrities, and fun than ever before. The theme “Canada’s Celebration of Freedom and Diversity” will infuse every aspect of the festival, from the parade route to the shows and all performers including singers, pannists and calypsonians.

The city of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area will come alive with the pulsating rhythms and melodies of Calypso, Soca, Salsa, Zouk, Reggae, Chutney, Steel Pan and Brass Bands. Carnival events will showcase originality, culture, and history to millions of spectators attending in downtown Toronto or watching on television and online.

“I look forward to working with our key stakeholders in the Mas, Pan, and Calypso communities to forge truly collaborative relationships, where my objective is to evolve the

Toronto Caribbean Carnival to be the best carnival in the world,” says de Lima. “As Canada’s celebration of freedom and diversity, our objective is to engage and invite Canadians and visitors from coast to coast to participate and experience the “Festival of Joy” that happens every summer in Canada’s downtown.”

The Festival Management Committee (FMC) is the official producer of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival, Canada’s fourweek-long celebration of freedom and diversity. Established in 1967 as part of Canada’s Centennial celebrations, the event formerly known as “Caribana”, has evolved into North America’s largest event of its kind with over 1 million participants annually and showcases the very best of Canadian Caribbean arts and culture. For more information, please visit www.torontocarnival.ca or connect with them on social media @gotocarnival.

Put it in your calendars and make sure to head down to the Lakeshore and join your fellow masqueraders to celebrate the 52nd anniversary of the festival this summer!

Submissions NOW OPEN for the CineFAM Feature Film Incubator!

ALYSSA MAHADEO

alyssa@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Calling all Female Creators! The CaribbeanTales Media group is proud to present CineFAM a new program that allows women of color the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities within the film and television industry to gain the recognition that they deserve.

CineFAM is looking for up to six women of color first-time feature film directors and their teams to work closely with industry mentors. If selected, you will develop the creative, business and finance skills needed to master the complex and challenging world of feature film production.

At the end of the program, participants will own a comprehensive business plan that will enable them to pitch their projects for funding and two selected projects will have an opportunity to compete for Telefilm’s Talent-To-Watch Program.

In recent years, women are demanding to be seen and heard in the entertainment industry, their hard work and dedication to their film creations are works of art and need more promotion and exposure to the world on how they have brought their creative visions to life.

In order to be considered for the CineFAM Film Incubator, submission requirements are as follows:

Synopsis of the project, a maximum of 750 words, which includes the main story developments, and tells the basic story from beginning to end

The Director’s vision (up to three pages in length) A promotion and distribution plan (up to two pages in length) which identifies the project’s audience (age, sex, sensibility, culture, etc.). It must also identify how the team will find and access this audience and why will they connect with the project

Resumes of the creative team (producer, writer and director) which will indicate training, education, experience, accolades, outline past projects and history of team collaboration

A production schedule (from preproduction to digital release)

Feature film budget

Up to one page detailing any other information that sets this project apart (e.g.: personal connection to the story material, successful crowdfunding campaign, confirmed cameo by a well-known actor, established fan base on social media)

A completed screenplay. A link to previous work, if available.

In order to be eligible for the program, all recommended projects must be emerging talent, i.e. they must have previously produced, directed and/or written at least one short film, but cannot have previously held the same key position on a feature-length film.

Key members must be Canadian citizens, within the definition of the Citizenship Act, or permanent residents within the definition of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

Projects must be fictional or documentary audiovisual projects produced in English, French or an Indigenous language that are either: feature-length films of 75 minutes or more; or any other type of narrative-based audiovisual content made in a format specifically designed for online audiences. These types of projects can be comprised of one or more segments which, in total, must be more than 10 minutes in length.

CaribbeanTales (CTMG) is a group of media companies that produces, markets, and exhibits Caribbean-themed films for regional and international distribution, including CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution, the first and largest full-service film distribution company in the English-speaking Caribbean’ and CaribbeanTales Inc a registered Charity in Canada. Activities include: The CaribbeanTales International Film Festival now in its 13th year that celebrates the talents of established and emerging filmmakers of Caribbean heritage who practice their art across the Caribbean Diaspora worldwide ; The renowned CaribbeanTales Incubator (CTII) a year-round development and production hub for Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora Producers that aims to create strong, compelling and sustainable content for the global market; Caribbeantales-TV a VOD streaming service for Caribbean films; and CaribbeanTalesFlix, our production arm.

For more information on this project and details on how to apply please visit: caribbeantalesfestival.com/cinefam-women-filmmakers-of-color/ Deadline for submissions has been extended to MIDNIGHT on April 30th, 2019.

Canadian Kwanzaa Association celebrates the first Kwanzaa week in Canada at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto

SHAUNA-KAY CASSELL shauna-kay@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

Continued From Page 1 -- Kwanzaa recognizes seven principles or Nguzo Saba in Swahili. They are Unity (Umoja), Self-Determination (Kujichagulia), Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima), Cooperative Economics (Ujamaa), Purpose (Nia), Creativity (Kuumba), and Faith (Imani). Each day of the ceremony, one of the principles are introduced or reinforced and is represented by the lighting of one of the seven candles, placed on a Kinara or candleholder. The seven candles are divided into patterns of; three red, one black and three green, respectively. As such, the 3D Toronto sign displayed the same color

patterns and glowed brightly in representation of a fully lit Kinara, which takes place in millions of households all over the world who are simultaneously celebrating Kwanzaa.

The Canadian Kwanzaa Association was established in 2018 to oversee the implementation of Kwanzaa in Canada. The Association accomplished two historical milestones; that is, Brampton’s mayor Patrick Brown placed a Kwanzaa message on the digital board at Brampton’s Rose Square, and the City of Toronto dedicated December 26th to January 1st as Kwanzaa week. “This year marked great strides for us,” maintained the founder.

The closing ceremony held between 5:00pm and 5:45pm at the Peace Garden at Nathan Phillips Square brought together leaders from the community including; Dr. Elizabeth (Dori) Tunstall, Dean, Faculty of Design at OCAD University, Norman Di Pasquale, Toronto Catholic School board Trustee, Peter Lopez of the Black

Ragga, Dub, regardless of what you want to call it; Dancehall music is considered Jamaica’s most popular style of music that has its genesis during the political turbulence of the late 1970s. Dancehall has changed the face of music, and is one of the most versatile genres out there; this has been seen with the many artists all over the world who have collaborated on tracks that feature Dancehall riddims, or have tried to replicate its uniqueness. It became Jamaica’s dominant music in the 1980s and 1990s and began to become very popular in the African diaspora. The music took on a different tone when the deejay became central to this musical style. The seductive chant of the dancehall deejay – part talking, part-singing – came to prominence in the late 1970s but was first noticed in 1969, when U-Roy experimented with talking over a “riddim.” From here, its presence could not be ignored and this multimodal African style became evident in hip-hop music of North America.

Dancehall music has produced some of the most charismatic and energetic artists with different styles and sounds; humor and storytelling be -

come a key component of the sound’s history. Poetry historians like Louise Bennett Coverley, dancehall skankin, and talking from artists like King Stitch became arguably infused into the international music culture and has become part of Dancehall’s beautiful history. While Dancehall can be violent and sexual in tone, the humor of the storytelling continues the African spiritual and folk tradition of storytelling. From February 16th – 17th, Tribute to The Legends of Reggae – Into the Dancehall will be featuring live concerts and school presentations in two cities: Brampton at the Rose Theatre on February 16th, and in Montreal on February 17th.

So, what can you expect from the Tribute to The Legends of Reggae? It will definitely be a walk down memory lane, which will include tributes to some of reggaes late and greats. It will honor former schoolteacher turned Dj, Lieutenant Stitchie who roared on to the scene in the ’80s with tracks like, “Young Girl Wear You Size,” and “Natty Dread.” To honor DJ’s, one of Toronto’s hottest DJ’s Joshia Lucas will spin between sets and will be accompanied by Master T who will be hosting the tribute.

Voter Base, and Playwright and Per former, Amani. The leaders’ messages were full of commitment, encourage ment, and support of the association’s accomplishments and future goals. These community leaders and key stakeholders will join the association to develop and expand Kwanzaa in other regions of Canada.

The next steps for the Cana dian Kwanzaa Association are to build on their accomplishments. “We expect this to be an annual tradition not just in Toronto and Brampton, but municipali ties across Canada,” says Lee III. “Our plan is to add Kwanzaa to the school curriculum and build chapters across Canada that would be tasked with establishing Kwanzaa Week in their community,” maintains Lee III. Conse quently, Kwanzaa Week proclamations will be celebrated all across Canada in some years to come. For now, the Ca nadian Kwanzaa Association is proud to celebrate 52 years, and did so lumi nously, both in Toronto and Brampton.

Another esteemed singer that will be recognized is Pinchers, a veteran in the game for over 15 years. He began his career singing with the local sound systems in Kingston, Jamaica where he came to the attention of one of the top producers in Reggae, the legendary King Jammy. His most popular and most recognized hit, “Agony” which appeared on his landmark dancehall album, “Got To Be Me,” featured his unique singing style, and this elevated him to his sex symbol status.

A special tribute will be performed for the great Garnett Silk by our very own five-time Juno winner Exco Levi. Encouraged by family and friends, Garnett Silk first took the stage at the Soul Remembrance sound system at the tender age of 12, under the moni ker Little Bimbo. Throughout Silk’s ca reer, he performed collaborations with greats including Sugar Minott, Tony Rebel and Chevelle Franklin. The world was left with Silk’s rich legacy of songs, and his influence remains as strong now as when he was alive.

In addition to the live shows, Tribute to the Legends of ReggaeEnter The Dancehall, is developing 75-minute panel presentations that will be presented in schools and hosted by Canadian musicologist on the history and context of Dancehall in the African Diaspora. Tickets for Tribute To The Legends Of Reggae – Into The Dancehall start at $25 and are available from ROSETHEATRE.COM. For more information, you can contact Jones & Jones directly at 905-452-1911. A walk down memory lane; tribute to the Legends of Reggae

Some of the artists include Tiger, an artist small in stature, but who was known for his growling style. In 1989, he became one of the first artists to cross over into the US hip-hop scene when he did a collaboration with the Fat Boys on “T’ings Nah Go So.” His success continued in the 1990s when he was signed by Columbia Records.

The City of Brampton has opened applications for residents to help make decisions in their city, by joining one of the various committees or appointments for the 2018-2022 term of council. These committees are as follows; the Citizen-based Advisory Committees, Adjudicative Committees, Administrative Tribunals, and related appointments. This is an opportunity for residents to volunteer their time, invaluable expertise, and actively participate in a meaningful way. The application forms are to be submitted at the Clerk’s Office by email, mail, or inperson no later than 4:30 pm on January 18th, 2019.

There are several committees available which mean individuals are bound to find one that suits their skills and preferences. Each of these

committees has a number of subcommittees. The Citizen-based Advisory Committees are made up of approximately eight different committees; Accessibility, Age-Friendly, Safety, Heritage, School Traffic Safety, Sports Hall of Fame, Cycling, and Environment. While the Adjudicative Committees and Administrative Committees are made up of five committees; the Committee of Adjustment, Brampton Appeal Tribunal, Compliance Audit Committee, Committee of Revision, and the Property Standards Committee. Furthermore, other appointments include; Audit, Election Compliance Audit, Administrative Monetary Penalty System Screening and Hearing, and Public Library Board. “Bramptonians who want to make an impact in our city should apply for a citizen appointment. Informed decision-making is only possible with resident advisors, that’s why citizen-based Advisory Committees, Adjudicative Committees, Administrative Tribunals, and related appointments are so crucial in Brampton. Together, we can make an impact,” says Patrick Brown, Mayor of the City of Brampton.

Moreover, for further motivation, Brampton citizens are recognized

each year at the Annual Awards Ceremony. “A tradition in Brampton since 1974, the Brampton Citizens Awards are one of our city’s most important initiatives. These awards give us the opportunity to recognize the contributions of some of the outstanding individuals who help make Brampton a better place,” highlighted Brown. This year the ceremony will be held in May 2019. Residents who have significant achievement in the calendar year 2018 in the categories; Sports, Arts, Longterm service, Inspirational, Emergency, Volunteer and Senior of the year, will be honored.

This year is the time to get involved in the City of Brampton to make your mark and legacy. In order to get appointed, first, the appointment procedures require that the individual must be a resident of the City

of Brampton, second, the citizen must fill out an application form, third, the list of names of all individuals will be provided to the Citizen Appointments Committee who will then conduct the interviews. Citizens will get to demonstrate their skills and commitment to making a meaningful impact on their city. Within a years’ time, you could be attending the Awards Ceremony in your honor!

For further information about the citizen appointments or citizen awards, please visit the City’s website: http://www.brampton.ca. Residents who are interested in applying for the citizen appointments should contact the City Clerk’s Office, which is located at Brampton City Hall located at 2 Wellington Street West, Brampton, Ontario, by phone: 905-874-2101 or email: cityclerksoffice@brampton.ca.

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Cops capture wash bay robber

GUYANA -- Cops have arrested one of two suspects who robbed a wash bay operator of his jewellery and a sum of cash at gunpoint at Lot 1 Conciliation Drive, Georgetown on Sunday.

Police in a statement said the motorcycle used in the commission of the crime has been impounded.

The suspect, who allegedly discharged several rounds at the victim’s motor car which struck the windshield, after he

pursued them, was found in possession of an unlicensed pistol with a spent ammunition. Efforts are currently being made to apprehend the other victim who fled the scene.

The detained suspect, who resides at Golden Grove, EBD and goes by the alias “Sharky”, is also wanted for questioning in connection with several offences, including murder.

- Guyana Chronicle

‘We got to be disciplined’

GUYANA -- Last Friday the Ministry of Business released an advertisement on their Facebook page promoting the proposed “Code of Conduct” for minibus operators, which seeks to address how they treat and deal with commuters on several issues.

Some drivers on the bus parks around the Stabroek Market area said, that the “Code of Conduct” will be a welcomed initiative to help rein in errant drivers and add standard to the public transportation system.

“It’s a good idea, with these minibuses we need some sort of discipline. I don’t see a problem with it just that we have to get discipline,” shared Edward Hooper, a Route 44 (Georgetown to Mahaica) driver.

The “Code of Conduct” was an initiative proposed by the United Minibus Union (UMU) and the Ministry of Business, to address consumer concerns with minibuses after the Ministry granted an across the board fare raise for minibuses last August.

The “Code of Conduct” is expected to address several concerns about minbuses including loud music, overloading, how passengers are handled, the way minibus operators are attired and colour coding of minibuses for the varying routes.

President of the UMU, Eon Andrews, is calling for training of minibus operators to be made mandatory.

Hooper, who has been a driver for the past 15 years, learnt about the “Code of Conduct” after seeing the issue being talked about on Facebook over the weekend.

One Route 47 (West/East) drive was not at all pleased that he was never informed of the coming policy. The driver, however, noted that he was not a part of the UMU and has no intention of joining.

Donald, (only name given) is a bus conductor on the 47 route, who also heard about the “Code of Conduct” and believes it a good thing that commuters concerns are being addressed.

“I heard that you’re supposed to treat the passengers nicely and speak to them politely and so on, and [I] also heard that passengers could lodge complaints and so on. Passengers have a right to be treated fairly, and properly and mannerly,” he said.

Two major issues which are always a sore point for commuters are the loud music in the buses and the overloading of the buses, many of which are only supposed to carry a maximum 15 persons, but in at least one case carried over 40 persons.

In June, a Route 42 minibus driver, Leon Jaggernaught, and his conductor Joshua Khan were charged after a video surfaced on Facebook showing that over 40 school

children were crammed into the vehicle.

The overloading of a minibus is a serious issue as the vehicle’s insurance is voided if an accident occurs while overloaded. Several commuters are also calling for the law against the playing of music in minibuses to be properly enforced.

“The police have to their job,” said Trevor Bailey, a driver on the 48 route.

“The drivers and the conductors [are] going to overload their bus to make their money you know how the hustle is. Get yuh extra money so you could done wuk early, drivers would do that. If the police [are] there it would avoid them from doing it, but the police have to do their work. You know it have police owning buses out here, so they won’t pull in their own bus and obstruct them from making their target, so that’s a thing, and they have friends too.”

After working as a conductor for a few years, since 2004, Bailey started working as a driver for the past nine months when he re-migrated to Guyana. He is not too pleased with how drivers and conductors carry themselves, and is happy that the “Code of Conduct addresses how the minibus operators should be dressed.

“The dress code could be in effect, I don’t have a problem with that because some of them drivers real untidy,” he noted. Like Donald, he thinks commuters need to be treated with more respect. “Is they bringing the money, they paying you, you should listen,” he says.

On the issue of music, Hooper thinks drivers need to be more considerate of the passengers. “I am against the music, you have different class of people travelling in the buses,” he said.

The playing of any music on public transportation, including minibus and hire cars, has been against the law since 2008, with the passage of a Bill which inserted Section 174B in the Summary Jurisdiction (Offences) Act.

At the Route 44, Mahaica bus park, Asser Ali complained bitterly about the tout system, and noted his enthusiasm to see it gone. He’s also concerned about the amount of parking available for buses given the line system in place.

“They gah get rid of the touts them, that’s all I want. The touts them causing a lot of problems. That’s it. And they gah make parking space for the bus, is a lot of bus,” Ali said.

He thinks the colour coding of separate colours for the differing route buses is a good idea.

- Guyana Chronicle

1.3 million Jamaicans have jobs, says finance minister

JAMAICA -- An estimated 1.3 million Jamaicans reported to jobs, in various industries across the island, as of Monday.

The announcement was made by Dr Nigel Clarke, minister of finance and the public service, in his remarks at the Guardian Life Limited’s “Staff Blast Off” held last Friday at the Jamaica Conference Centre in downtown Kingston.

Minister Clarke said that in spite of the negative perception individuals might have about the nation’s economy, the island is currently in a good place, with record-high employment levels, with more Jamaicans earning an income than ever before.

“We are in a good place as we stand right now. On Monday morning, more people will go to work than at any other time in Jamaica’s

history. Over 1.3 million Jamaicans will get up on Monday and have paid work to do,” he said.

Minister Clarke explained that after a long period of lack of investment on the island, a lot of production had returned to Jamaica and there were currently a number of companies being established and taking risks in Jamaica, like they haven’t in the last 20 years.

He stated that over the last five years, Jamaica had the highest returns of any stock market in the world, making it the best performing equity market over that period.

“There are over 200 countries in the world with maybe half or more of these countries with stock exchanges and, yet, Jamaica was the best performing equity market over the last five years of all countries in the world,” Minister Clarke said.

He noted that as a result, the renowned financial publication and research firm Bloomberg sent a team of reporters to Jamaica at the end of 2018 to investigate the source of this dynamism.

Minister Clarke also commended Guardian Life on their 20th anniversary and gave a charge to the company to keep on taking care of the health and financial needs of Jamaicans.

The Blast Off is an event hosted by Guardian Life Limited for the more than 600 Guardian Life representatives across the island, at the beginning of each year, to recap the previous year and set a positive theme for the year ahead.

- Jamaica Observer

Education ministry intervenes in Glenmuir Prep dispute

JAMAICA -- The Ministry of Education has intervened in the dispute involving administrators at Glenmuir Preparatory School in Clarendon and parent Juliet Johnson-Clarke, after the woman was asked to withdraw her son from the institution.

Permanent secretary in the ministry, Dean-Roy Bernard, told the Jamaica Observer Monday that Glenmuir Prep is registered with the ministry’s Independent Schools Unit and that the division has been asked to do an investigation and to report to him on its findings to substantiate the complaint, after which corrective measures will follow.

“I know that at the level of the region, a report has been requested as well. So that will be swift to my hand. There’s also interaction with the parent of the child as well, and the parent is aware of what we are doing on the matter.

Johnson-Clarke, in Monday’s Observer front-page story, said that her seven-year-old son was being bullied by another student at the ministry’s region six institution.

Several complaints were made, she said, and several meetings held to address the matter.

In a letter addressed to her from the school, she was told to withdraw her son in the interest and preservation of the school’s name, as well as to safeguard him from undue stress and anxiety.

“On November 9, [2018] a quorum of the board invited me to a meeting and the writer of that withdrawal letter, Father [Winston] Thomas, said that he was recommending that I withdraw my son since he had suffered so much trauma. I told him in no uncertain terms that withdrawal was not an option because my child has done nothing wrong — he has made friends, he’s comfortable and he’s doing well.

“He said to me that they had come up with a strategy to deal with the bully and asked me to stay my hand in terms of legal action until I hear from them in December, so that they could implement and assess the efficacy of the strategy or the intervention. So I have been waiting, and today (January 3) I got that letter. I think it’s very disingenuous to be saying that because I threatened legal action when I was asked and agreed not to pursue any legal action

until I have got feedback. I have only got this letter which is tantamount to expulsion,” said Johnson-Clarke.

The mother said that her son has been kicked in the chest, slapped in the face and wounded by the other child.

“...I won’t say that the principal has failed to act, but I will say that if he has acted it has failed to change anything,” the woman said.

Johnson-Clarke learnt of the incidents after taking her son to see a counsellor. She noted that this was when he shared what was happening to him at school.

The school’s board chair Winsome Singh said that the parties involved met and that the matter was thought to have been settled.

“I’ve spoken with that person already — myself, the principal and Father Thomas. So I don’t know what else she expects of us. Either the child is not going to be staying in there or whatever, because she told us, ‘Yes it has got much better and whatever’,” said Singh.

- Jamaica Observer

Tourism security audit not a knee-jerk reaction to bad press, says Bartlett

JAMAICA -- The security audit being conducted at hotels and attractions islandwide is not a reflex reaction to recent stories in the overseas media that paint Jamaica in a negative light, Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has assured.

“I want it to be very clear that this is not a knee-jerk reaction to any kind of media or any intervention in the last few weeks, months or even years, because the whole business of tourism safety and security is fundamental to tourism itself,” Bartlett told a Tourism Safety and Security Forum held at Montego Bay Convention Centre Monday.

“It is the underpinning which enables a sense of well-being of visitors crossing borders. It is a feeling that must pervade the persona of travellers before they even leave their destination and, therefore, it is a responsibility and a duty for recipient destinations to ensure that the wellbeing of visitors are secured,” Bartlett added.

Jamaica, he noted, “has done an excellent job over the years, and in comparative terms we are on top of the scale of safe and secure destinations across the world”.

He pointed out that the incidence of

infractions against tourists in Jamaica is .01 per cent.

“But the objective is not to have .01 per cent, the objective is to have zero per cent. The objective is to ensure a pristine, clear, and clean destination. So whenever there are statements, either allegations or indeed factual, our job is to jump on it immediately and to deal with it and to clear the air — because what hurts tourism and a destination more than anything else is perception,” Bartlett stated.

“Perception sometimes leads to facts, but perception may have nothing to do with facts, and so one of the things that we have to do to make sure that we make that distinction is what is perceived to be a position,” he said.

National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang concurred that Jamaica has a history of minimal incidence of crime against tourists.

“In terms of the safety of our visitors, the country has an enviable record. For the many years that tourism has been in Jamaica we have had little of any personal threat to the visitor. In fact, one of the remarkable events in Jamaica is that even in communities that are considered very challenged you have visitors walking through

on a regular basis and staying there. It may in fact reflect some symbiosis between visitors and the regular communities,” the security minister said.

However, he was quick to point out that Jamaicans “are sensitive to the fact that there is a wider need to show the entire community and the wider society, and internationally and locally, the capacity of our security forces to ensure that citizens in Jamaica can move around safely and securely”.

The audit, being led by the Tourism Product Development Company and guided by international security expert Dr Peter Tarlow, is part of efforts to ramp up the island’s destination assurance programme.

Dr Tarlow, who spoke at the forum, said that in tourism “it’s not necessarily what happens, it’s how well you deal with it”.

“Tourism has a lag time and that means when something goes wrong, no matter how good you are it doesn’t get changed instantly, and therefore a negative story becomes an expensive story. It only takes one or two stories to create that.”

- Jamaica Observer

Doctors order CoP to rest

TRINIDAD -- Six months after Gary Griffith was appointed Police Commissioner doctors have ordered him to get some rest.

On Sunday, Griffith checked himself into the St Clair Medical Centre in Port-ofSpain after feeling unwell.

Griffith’s wife, Nicole Dyer-Griffith, in a telephone interview on Monday, confirmed that he is now at the Commissioner’s official residence in St James recuperating.

“He is much better today. Monday (Sunday) we took him into St Clair. He was experiencing some pretty severe abdominal cramps so he spent most of the day there, he

had to be rehydrated. He was very dehydrated.

“He had some IV therapy and he had some routine tests undertaken. After a few hours, they said it was okay for him to go home and come,” explained Dyer-Griffith.

She said her husband was still on the job operating from his make-shift office at home taking calls and directing his charges.

Commissioner Griffith was appointed on August 17, last year and has been leading his officers on several crime-fighting initiatives including drug busts, recovering kidnap victims and roadblocks.

Asked whether he had been working too hard, his wife replied, “Amongst other things, but you know that is not going to change any time soon. That is just written into his DNA and that is the only way we both know.”

Dyer-Griffith said it was a matter of putting things in place and ensuring the basics are followed up and “you eat on time and get some rest at some point in time but as I said his drive and push is not going to change.”

Dyer-Griffith said she stayed at home to ensure her husband complied with doctor’s orders.

- Trinidad Guardian

Pigeons mar smooth school opening

TRINIDAD -- On the first day of the new school term, five of 12 teachers at Belmont Government Primary School walked out of classes over concerns about a possible health hazard from a pigeon infestation.

In addition, repairs to several schools which were earmarked for work during the Christmas vacation were not completed.

That was the situation on Monday when thousands of students turned out for classes, although Education Minister Anthony Garcia had given an assurance during an interview on CNC3’s The Morning Brew that all schools were in a state of readiness.

President of the T&T Unified Teachers’ Association (TTUTA) Lynsley Doodhai said while all schools opened, the union had received reports of teachers walking out at Belmont Government Primary due to a pigeon infestation—a problem that existed last term.

He said although the five teachers withheld their services, the school remained

operational. He promised to raise this issue with the ministry.

On the issue of school repairs, Doodhai said TTUTA was told that work was not done on more than 100 schools, including Cipero RC Primary, Point Cumana Government Primary and Bamboo Government Primary.

“Information reaching us is that these schools will be fixed after school hours and during the Easter vacation,” he said.

He said another sore point is that several assistant teachers at primary schools were not paid their December salaries.

Doodhai said the union was taking legal action to seek the interest of secondary school teachers marking School-Based Assessments.

Last year, the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO), in a report to the ministry, recommended disciplinary action against teachers who refuse to mark SBAs. The union maintains that teachers should be paid for such tasks.

“I am hopeful that our lawyers can complete the work they are doing right now with respect to a claim to be filed in the High Court on Friday on the SBA issue,” Doodhai said.

Garcia said he expects teachers to mark the SBAs.

“I don’t foresee any hiccups with the marking of SBAs. If SBAs are not corrected then those children will have a failing mark. It will be done to the detriment of those students and all of us. We need to hold hands and not to find ourselves in this situation,” he said.

The minister promised to work with TTUTA and the National Parents Teachers’ Association to increase attendance of students before and after Carnival. He appealed to parents to send their children to school to prevent disruptions in their studies.

-

Trinidad Guardian

Moonilal refuses opening submission to Privileges Committee

TRINIDAD -- A closed door session of the Privileges Committee meeting fell apart today after Oropouche East Member of Parliament Dr Roodal Moonilal refused to give his opening submissions.

Though the attendees of the private session were bound by confidentiality, Guardian Media learned that Moonilal challenged the current composition of the Committee.

Moonilal was before the Committee to answer questions on two matters: his behaviour during a Parliamentary debate last October when he allegedly told Laventille West MP Fitzgerald Hinds “that’s why Snake

have lead for you” and his reference to a financial triangle involving Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley, AV Drilling and a Miami-based company.

Moonilal said then that Rowley benefited from a financial transaction connected to A&V Drilling in Florida, which the PM refuted.

Last October Hinds and Leader of Government Business and Arouca-Maloney MP Camille Robinson-Regis raised the issue of privilege and Speaker of the House Brigid Annisette-George agreed to the motion.

Moonilal though has since been challenging the composition of the commit-

tee since both Hinds and Robinson-Regis are on the tribunal.

After his legal letter to the Committee in November, both Hinds and RobinsonRegis recused themselves.

With regards to the Rowley matter, in November Moonilal’s attorneys wrote to the Parliamentary secretary Jacqui Sampson-Meiguel, saying that it would be “ill-advised” for the six-member committee to proceed with its inquiry as Rowley referred the issue to the police and it is now part of an investigation.

- Trinidad Guardian

Problems remain at Tobago schools

TRINIDAD -- Tobago House of Assembly Chief Secretary and Secretary for Education

Kelvin Charles says all schools in Tobago reopened Monday.

However, T&T Unified Teachers’ Association (TUTTA) representative for the Tobago Orlando Kerr said the union is not satisfied with conditions at some schools and will stand firm until working conditions for teachers and students are improved.

“At the Signal Hill Secondary School, we are still awaiting the repairs at the lab and a Mathematics teacher. At Speyside Anglican Primary School we have the issue with the sewerage system, which needs to

be repaired. When will these issues be resolved?” Kerr asked.

TTUTA representative said he has scheduled meetings with teachers at various schools throughout the week to hear their concerns and will “remain resolute in ensuring that teachers are given the best to perform their duties.”

On issues at the Scarborough RC School, Kerr said while work was done during the vacation period to deal with a flooding problem, it was “done in haste and there are several other issues existing at the school.”

The school, which was built at a cost of $85 million, was commissioned last

August.

In September, concerns were raised about flooding on the compound, slippery tiles and the absence of awning to prevent rain from blowing into parts of the building.

Charles said: “Some work was started at the Scarborough RC School, it is not complete, but it should not impact the reopening of the school.”

The school’s acting principal Patricia Wafe said the awning work is ongoing.

“We had an issue with water coming in at the front that was resolved,” she said.

- Trinidad Guardian

TRINIDAD -- Eight days after her son was shot dead near his Sangre Grande home, Ann Marie Stephen says she is now being targeted by gang members in her community and is appealing to Po­lice Com­mis­sion­er Gary Grif­fith for im­me­di­ate protection.

Stephen, 53, a mother of eight, said she had reported the incident to the Tunapuna Police Station. She came to Guardian Media on Monday seeking help.

The threat came days after her 23-yearold son Keith Clement, a coconut vendor, was killed on December 27.

Mother begs for police protection

Stephen said Keith was her third child to have died under tragic circumstances. Her daughter, Marion Clarke, 16, died in an accident in Tobago a few years ago and in 2017, her 34-year-old son Brendon Stephen was shot dead.

She denied Clement was involved in any illegal activity although she admitted he smoked marijuana and was frequently on the block.

“I am ap­peal­ing to Grif­fith to in­ves­ti­gate Keith’s death, please. I need justice for my son’s murder. I am not going to rest until I see his killers

get pun­ished. I want Grif­fith to clean up Damarie Hill and put away these gang members who have the place unsafe,” she said.

Stephen said her son was a victim of an ongoing war in the community.

“It’s warfare from long time. My big son, Brendon, and them used to be in war,” she said.

Stephen said she was threatened last Friday as she walked from her home by a man who “started shouting that he would kill me.”

She recalled: “I started to run but fell and injured my left hip. As he got closer, I began screaming and people came out, causing him to

go in another direction. That is how I got away. Stephen said.

Asked if she is living in fear, Stephen: “I not fearful of dying because I have no cocoa in the sun. I have nothing to hide. They done killed two of my sons and is not strangers who do it. Why these fellas killing people and they outside walking free? Something is not right.”

No one has been arrested for Clement’s murder.

- Trinidad Guardian

Another ‘Trini’ captured fighting for ISIS

TRINIDAD -- One of the men who appeared in an ISIS video speaking about life in Trinidad and To­ba­go has been cap­tured fight­ing with ISIS in Syria.

Several international news agencies, including the BBC and New York Times named him as 35-year-old Zaid Abed al-Hamid.

The U.S-backed Syrian Democratic Forces con­firmed the cap­ture on Sun­day.

Al-Hamid is believed to have had dual citizenship, as he spent several years living in

the United States.

The New York Times reports that his name appears in a database of 130 Trinidadians who joined the Islamic State that is maintained by Simon Cottee, a senior lecturer in criminology at the University of Kent who tracks the group.

Cottee is working on a book about ISIS fight­ers from the Caribbean na­tion.

Hamid had been iden­ti­fied as an extremist since at least 2011, the report said.

According to Cottee’s database, Hamid joined the terrorist group on April 6, 2014, along with his wife and his three children.

He appeared in an ISIS video, sitting by a stream, speaking about how his family could not practice their faith in Trinidad.

The newspaper reported that a similarly spelled name — Zaid Abdul-Hamid — appears in a cache of ISIS registration forms indicating that he provided a reference for a recruit from Trinidad and Tobago when that recruit

joined the group in 2014.

The form indicates that Abdul-Hamid was in Raqqa, Syria, at that time.

The other person captured has been iden­ti­fied as 34­year­old War­ren Christo­pher Clark, aka Abu Mohammad al-Ameriki, who formerly taught in Texas.

- Trinidad Guardian

Kamla challenges PM to national debate

TRINIDAD -- After describing Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley’s message to the nation as the plot from the book How to Lie with Statistics, Opposition Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar challenged her political nemesis to a public debate.

It was at a media conference at the Cou­va South Con­stituen­cy Of­fice with her fellow Opposition MPs that Persad-Bissessar threw down the gauntlet, saying that it was disturbing that after three years in government, Rowley was still blaming the UNC for the state of the economy.

Furthermore, she said Rowley, during his address on Sunday night, did not tell facts to the nation in what she described as a “political comedy central” and that each point of his PowerPoint presentation could be disputed. She said she was expecting part two of last night address

to be a continuation of the same.

“I call upon the Prime Minister, if you name man, I am willing to take you on mano y mano on every one of those issues you raised... One on one, I will engage you. Be a man, come forward and I will take you on, on all of those lies, every distortion. I will show you what we did, how we delivered in every sphere of life,” PersadBissessar.

In analysing his message, she said that Rowley offered no solution to the depressed economy and no hope for citizens cowering under the reign of criminals. She said her government was blamed for leaving the treasury empty, but checks would show that after the People’s Partnership (PP) was oust­ed from of­fice in 2015, there was $13 billion of foreign exchange reserves, which fell to $10.6 billion under the government.

She said that Rowley told the nation that the PP wast­ed $29 bil­lion in five years, but the truth was that they proudly spent $290 billion on schools, police stations, hospitals, laptops for students, lighting initiatives and other infrastructur­al projects that ben­e­fit­ed cit­i­zens.

In contrast, she said the People’s National Movement government has spent $190 billion in three years on paintings, Soca on the Sea, new cars, golf courses and a new ferry that is continuously out of service due to rough seas. Since tak­ing of­fice, she said the gov­ern­ment has been regurgitating projects it promised, such as the dry-docking facility in La Brea, the Sandals Resort for Tobago while work on the highway constructions to Toco and Point Fortin have stalled. She added that when the PP left the government in 2015, public sector debt was 45 per cent of

T&T’s Gross Domestic Product but has now risen to 61 per cent while Foreign Direct Investment has declined.

“I think the most appropriate response to Dr Rowley is to repeat his own words and these words he said on April 10, 2013. It is this, ‘Any time a government resorts to blaming the opposition for its failure to deliver on their mandate and their responsibilities to the people, it is a clear sign that they have outlived their usefulness.”

Persad-Bissessar also described a media release, announcing the names of UNC candidates for the next general elections as false and mischievous. She said that the party’s caucus has not yet discussed the selection of candidates. She said there will be new faces to the teams that will contest the 2020 general elections.

- Trinidad Guardian

Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley: We have done reasonably well

TRINIDAD -- T&T’s debt-to-GDP ratio is decreasing, energy exports are increasing and natural gas production is on the upswing, Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley announced in the second part of his address to the nation broadcast on Monday night.

“That is called getting the job done,” he said. Continuing with a presentation loaded with data, Rowley compared the situation in T&T to other oil-rich nations when commodity prices collapsed. He said while countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Nigeria increased taxes and cut back on social services, that had not been the case in T&T.

“We have not collapsed and hell is not our fortune. We have done reasonably well,” he said, noting that VAT had been reduced, the tax-free allowance to individuals had been increased, along with grants and social services.

On the issue of Petrotrin, Rowley said it was one of the few oil companies in the world owned by the people and up to the time of Government’s intervention was saddled with $13 billion in debt.

He said 100,000 barrels of oil a day was being imported to keep the Pointe-a-Pierre re­fin­ery go­ing and was be­ing paid for in a debt arrangement in which the company incurred daily losses of between US$4 and US$7 per barrel.

He said the forecast was for $2 billion in losses every year going forward. Between 2014 and 2018 Petrotrin suffered $8.8 billion in losses.

“An oil company is not to cost you money, it is to make money for you,” he said.

Rowley said in the restructured arrangement, Heritage Petroleum Company will

service the debt owed by Petrotrin, leaving more money for the Minister of Finance to do other things.

According to the Prime Minister, while in 2016/17 his administration set about to reduce the fuel subsidy, it is still costing the country almost $1 billion.

Rowley, who declared that T&T will not go the IMF, said Government’s strategy is to be­come more ef­fi­cient, by cut­ting out cor­rup­tion and waste.

He said savings of $1.26 billion had been achieved by re-tendering on some major projects, including the Cumuto highway which was reduced from $550 million through open transparent tender to $400 million and the Curepe fly­over which went from $412 mil­lion down to $221 million.

Rowley said going forward in addition

to upstream energy sector projects, Government has embarked on a programme for diver­si­fi­ca­tion of the econ­o­my. He iden­ti­fied the Phoenix Park Industrial Estate, the La Brea Dry Docking Facility, Aripo Agriculture Programme and the agro processing plant being developed in Moruga as some of the projects that will drive the di­ver­si­fi­ca­tion thrust.

He al­so iden­ti­fied trans­port projects and programmes, including completion of the Point Fortin Highway, Valencia to Toco road expansion, Toco port and the highway extension to Manzanilla.

He said in the plan to link Trinidad and Tobago through Toco, the intention is for the Galleons Passage to eventually operate on that sea route.

- Trinidad Guardian

A delicious taste that is all plant-based

Once you understand the phrase health is wealth it kind of sums up the entire reason why you need to prioritize your health.

Inyoto’s Plant Based Milkshakes is a dairy-free drink company that stands for a natural way of life and reaching the full potential of your core within.

The unique Toronto beverage company adds major nutrients to your body while tasting delicious and mimicking the same texture as a milkshake. One of the key ingredients is sea moss. Sea moss is a type of red algae that can be found on the Atlantic coast. The nutrientdense sea vegetable contains 92 of the 102 minerals our bodies need. Some of the health benefits include improving metabolism, thyroid function, digestive regularity and boosting immunity.

Before starting up her business in December of 2017, Inyoto felt the need to make changes in her own life first. She went from a typical diet filled with a lot of animal products such as meat and dairy. She then switched to a cleaner diet, centered around whole foods like fruits and veggies.

“I had to change the way I cooked, experiment a lot in the kitchen, try new foods and along the way I also discovered a lot of foods that exist in this world that the average person just doesn’t know anything about.”

Another natural ingredient used is their homemade walnut milk. Walnuts are a good source of omega 3’s and are

rich in antioxidants. They can aid in maintaining a healthy gut and support brain function as well as healthy aging. Inhouse, it only takes only five minutes to make three bottles of milk. As for sugar, all the sweetness in the milkshake comes from fruit. Inyoto says “you’re getting the real sugar that is meant for you from nature.” To avoid using preservatives the shakes are made daily during the week, each bottle taking about five minutes to make. Currently, the company works out of local kitchens in the neighborhood. Inyoto says, “We usually rent a kitchen and make the shakes within that facility.” During the weekdays, Inyoto focuses on promotion, handling pre-orders and making shakes. Saturdays and Sundays are for delivery. The inspiration behind the beverages was to provide a nutritious alternative to a delicious drink.

“Today, young people are dying or getting sick and a lot of that has to do with diet. The food that we consume is directly linked with how our health.”

The first people to try her shakes were her two sisters.

“They really enjoyed it, they had some really good feedback on it and so I decided that I would make this available to the public to purchase seeing that a lot of people aren’t very health conscious and some people who are, we don’t have a lot of healthy options in stores, so that was in mind when making this product.”

However, she would like more people to have the opportunity to enjoy

her product despite their dietary restrictions.

“We come across a lot of people who are actually allergic to nuts and bananas so that sets some limitations.”

Walnuts and bananas are used in both their strawberry banana and mango pineapple shakes. Currently, Inyoto’s Plant Based Milkshakes are trying to find ways they can make their beverage without their main ingredients. Other than her milkshakes and organic maca root powder, Inyoto has other product ideas up her sleeve. She believes that children are important targets when it comes to wellness and health because their eating habits are instilled in them.

“I would want to come up with crackers, preferably raw crackers something that is not cooked at a very high degree so it will still keep its benefits and nutrients as much as possible.”

In addition to developing a healthy snack for both children and adults, the 26-year-old business owner is coming up with new flavors. Right now, the number one seller is mango banana pineapple. Inyoto believes her upcoming flavors might knock their top seller out of the park. She shares that “We are working on a chocolate flavor that should come out next year. I’m also looking into making something with papayas as well. Papaya is really good for people who have diabetes.” The company’s priority lies in the well-being of others not only with their product but in the community too.

“Two times a year we will go around the city and provide free shakes for the homeless. The money to do this actually comes from a percentage of the sales that we make.”

Not only do they provide fresh shakes but during the winter they also give out clothing items such as gloves and scarves to help the homeless stay warm during the cold months. Even after all her accomplishments, Inyoto still remains humble.

“I don’t think too much of it, I feel like it’s what I am supposed to be doing right now, so it doesn’t really feel like I have accomplished too much or accomplished too little, I feel like I’m at the right place at the right time.”

In the future, Inyoto would like to open up her own smoothie, shakes and juicing bar that will leave people instantly energized without the artificial flavors or chemicals.

“A space where people can come in and become a community and an environment just full of positive affirmation, full of beautiful visuals and art.”

If you would like to order one of these bomb tasting shakes be sure to make your pre-orders through the website at Inyotoshop.com.

Written by Ellen Rockson Toronto Caribbean Reporter

Nadia Batson and Farmer Nappy are definitely gonna be in every big fete in carnival 2019. If they’re not, well, something would be wrong. Beyond that, these two, with two of the most played, and certainly most requested soca tracks heading into Carnival 2019, will be on tour throughout the year. Don’t say we didn’t predict it!

Both Soca artistes penetrated a feting crowd on the weekend at SOS in Tobago, proving that their singles are carnival ready. Farmer’s “Hookin’ Meh’ and Batson’s, “So Long”, were immediate hits upon release prior to the Christmas holiday and since the music releases, both artistes have been warmly embraced by soca lovers, the world over.

Last season, Nadia held her own, powerfully. She’s been a strong female voice for many years but this year, she’s cleared the way for herself, advancing ahead of the pack, something that will undoubtedly seal the deal for her financially, for the entire year ahead. Shal Marshall was that artiste who led the way in 2018. He was everywhere and no matter where it was, his hit single, “Splinters” made crowds go wild. He capitalized on the appreciation for the tune, taking to social media with powerful presence and even marketing the name by branding t- shirts, caps and other paraphernalia. Shal had taken over.

Soca music’s been infiltrating the global music arena, though at a lesser pace than other genres, for a few years well. It’s likely that the pace will continue and what we will eventually see, is a whirlwind of international exposure for a genre that is authentically Caribbean. We can’t wait!

- EBuzzTT

At 79, T&T’s Calypso Rose will ignite the Stage at the Coachella Music Festival in Cali

Tobago-born Calypso Rose is more than a diva. She’s a boss. In fact, the almost 79-year-old hit maker who was last year awarded the Grand Prize for World Music award at the Sacem Grand Prix in France, is set to make her debut at Coachella, in 2019.

The festival, which has seen the likes of Beyonce, Madonna and Kendrick Lamar hit the stage in previous years, is a major music and arts showcase and party that sees thousands flood the venue over a two weekend period. This year, between April 12th and April 21st, Childish Gambino, Janelle Monae, Diplo, Ariana Grande,

staff is familiar with the diverse traditions of the customers we serve. Let us help ensure that your unique preferences are accommodated. Talk to us today and we’ll explain all your funeral options and help you through your immediate or pre-arrangement needs.

Khalid, Solange, Kid Cudi, Pusha and Wiz Khalifa will be a part of the musical excitement. Added to that is none other that this amazing Calypso icon of Trinidad and Tobago, Calypso Rose. Rose’s team took to Instagram to make the announcement, relaying the artiste’s excitement to be a part of the lineup. “I can’t wait to sing, dance and enjoy this time with all of you,” she said. Rose recently unleashed a new single with Trinidad and Tobago’s king of Soca, Machel Montano- a track called, “Young Boy”. It’s the second time, in recent years that the pair have worked together to create music in the carnival season. Separately, Rose, who released an album last year called, “So Calypso,” toured throughout Europe last year, showing the people in that part of the world that she certainly remains a powerful force on the music circuit. We can’t wait to see and hear her in all her glory, at Coachella.

- EBuzzTT

The ‘helper’s high’: why volunteering makes you happy

Common wisdom tells us that by giving, or giving our time, we receive something in return — tangible or otherwise. True to this principle, very often volunteers affirm that volunteering makes them feel happy. This positive effect of volunteering has been called the “helper’s high.”

But what causes this feeling? The field of positive psychology provides a compelling explanation with their research on happiness. Martin Seligman, the field’s leading figure and past president of the American Psychological Association, maintains that there are three types of happiness, or rather three kinds of happy lives:

• Pleasant life or life of enjoyment

• Good life or life of engagement

• Meaningful life or life of affiliation Seligman outlines these modes of happy

living in his books Authentic Happiness (2002) and Flourish (2011). The first mode of living involves the pursuit of pleasure and affords us only transient happiness. The second involves engagement in tasks in which we feel adept and is a source of durable happiness. The last involves participation in something larger or more permanent than ourselves and is also a source of durable happiness.

It’s the third type of happiness in Seligman’s model, that which derives from a “meaningful” mode of living, that is relevant to volunteering. For Seligman, this happiness stems from a sense of belonging, meaning and purpose. According to both a large body of research and volunteers themselves, volunteering frequently generates these very effects.

Volunteers obtain a sense of belonging from engaging with their community and expanding their social network, and a sense of meaning and purpose from their perception that they’re making a positive difference. Hence the sense of happiness, or this “helper’s high,” that so many volunteers report feeling.

Five benefits of employee volunteering programs

What if planting trees, running a 5K or preparing a meal for a homeless shelter was all part of a day’s work? Employee volunteering programs give staff the chance to escape the office for a day and help out in the community. Such programs benefit employees, employers and the community. Here are five key advantages they offer.

1. Boosting morale. Employee volunteering programs provide employees with rewarding experiences, allowing them to simultaneously feel proud of themselves and their company. Teams that partake in such initiatives together become stronger and more cohesive.

2. Developing skills. Volunteering is an effective way of building leadership, teamwork, collaboration, communication and problem-solving skills.

3. Enhancing company image. Customers and clients appreciate companies that make a positive difference. Increased visibility in the community is an excellent way to encourage new business.

4. Attracting the best talent. Companies that volunteer in their community become more attractive to potential employees. This is especially true of the younger generation, who highly value volunteerism.

5. Making the community better. Whether the initiative is cleaning up litter, improving the lives of those less fortunate or making an elderly person’s day, employee volunteer programs make communities better.

When companies adopt employee volunteer programs, they reap major rewards for themselves and their employees. Making a positive impact on the community at large is just one of the many advantages of these programs.

A recent Gallup poll found that companies who took part in employee volunteering programs increased profitability by 16%, general productivity by 18% and customer loyalty by 12%.

The Dancehall

Brian

All Peel District School Board elementary schools are now open for kindergarten registration for the 2019–20 school year To register, visit www.peelschools.org/kindergarten and visit the school your child will attend any time during school hours.

2019 is finally here and as usual we are all making our own new year eating resolution or setting body goals. Usually in January the gym is packed then things start to fade by March the latest. However, a gym instructor will tell you that abs are built in the kitchen so is a good body. For the month of January, I will be sharing recipes and tips for a new you, then I’ll be taking you on a culinary journey throughout the remaining of the year.

Eating healthy is a lifestyle, not just an overnight change. I believe that small steps can lead to big growth. I have prepared five tips that can easily start you on your way.

Portion control

Before we start changing our diet, I believe that controlling portions is the beginning of change. Once you can control how much you eat then you are pretty much on your way to a better body.

Balanced meal

I believe the more colors you have on your plate the better your meal is. Once you cover portion control it is time to now ensure your meal is balanced. A balanced meal consists of protein, starch, dairy, fruits and vegetables, fats and sugar. Having at least five at once is considered balanced.

Breakfast

This is the most important meal for the day. The term literally means break your fast. We often skip breakfast and then we try and catch up with lunch or dinner which is very wrong. Breakfast helps to boost our metabolism and set the mood for the day ahead.

Sleep

As much as eating and cardio are important so is our sleep. Sleep helps to burn fat while you rest. So, add extra rest to your new year’s plans.

Eating on time

Make sure you eat on time to prevent cravings. When you starve yourself, your body goes into a panic and starts to crave sweets and unhealthy foods

Spicy Roasted Chickpeas & Kale Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing

Try this quick healthy and delicious kale salad pack with all the nutrients you need to refresh and restart your body.

Ingredients

Salad:

• 1 bunch kale (washed, stalks removed & coarsely chopped)

• 14 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 14 oz can roasted chickpeas

• 1 cup sweet corn

• 2 large red bell peppers, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomato, halved

• 1/2 red onion, Diced

Dressing:

• 1 large avocado

• ½ cup olive oil

• 1 tsp lime,

• 1 pinch tsp salt and pepper

• ¼ cup rice wine vinegar

Directions

1. Season chickpeas with a drizzle of olive oil, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp smoked paprika and salt and pepper then put to roast for 15 to 20 minutes, then set aside to cool.

2. Combine all the ingredients for the dressing in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy then put to chill.

3. Toss together all the ingredients for the salad in a large bowl then toss with dressing.

DISCOVER YOUR GROOVE

Choosing the perfect wedding shoes

When it comes to accessories that complement your wedding dress, your shoes are arguably the most important. You want your footwear to both reflect your personal style and be comfortable enough to wear as you dance the night away. Here’s a guide to picking the perfect wedding shoes.

• Choose your dress first. You’ll want to match the style of shoes to your dress.

• Make sure they fit. The best time to shop for shoes is in the late afternoon. If they’re comfortable after a day of work, they’ll fit perfectly on your wedding day.

• Don’t experiment with high heels. If you’re not used to wearing heels, don’t attempt to wear them at your wedding. There are many flat and wedge styles that make beautiful — and comfortable — bridal shoes.

• Make a statement. Shoes are a great way to add a pop of colour to your wedding attire.

• Bring them to your dress fitting. If your dress is long, it’ll need to be adjusted to the height of your shoes.

• Break them in. Wear your shoes around the house to avoid any nasty surprises on the day of your wedding. If they’re tight or uncomfortable, bring them to a shoemaker to stretch them out a bit.

Lastly, don’t forget to book a pedicure before your wedding. Nothing looks better in stunning shoes than prettily pampered feet.

Three wedding photography trends you need to know about

Whether you spend two weeks or two years planning your wedding, it’ll be over in the blink of an eye. To ensure you capture the event with beautiful photographs you’ll appreciate for a lifetime, take a look at these three inspiring wedding photography trends:

1. Drone photography. If your wedding is taking place in a beautiful outdoor location, a drone can create awe-inspiring photos that are impossible to get from the ground. Since photography drones are basically miniature helicopters with cameras attached to them, be sure to hire an experienced and licenced operator to avoid disaster.

2. Smoke bombs. Photographers are now incorporating colourful puffs of smoke that add an unexpected and untradi -

tional element to wedding photos. Available in any colour, smoke bombs can be used in different ways to add touches of whimsy or drama to your pictures.

3. Photojournalistic photos. Also called reportage style photography, these photos have a more candid and natural look than traditional shots. While your photographer will likely still cue you for some pictures, they’ll be using smaller, less obtrusive cameras to capture intimate moments from your wedding ceremony and reception.

No matter what type of pictures you eventually want to see framed on your mantle, the key to having beautiful photographs you and your partner will love is to work closely with your photographer.

Seven ways to save money without sacrificing your dream wedding

Traditional weddings can cost an arm and a leg, and sometimes leave the couple in debt before they even begin their lives together. Here are seven ways to save money while still having the wedding of your dreams.

1. Limit your guest list: only request the presence of the people that matter to you. Avoid inviting distant relatives you never see.

2. Find a beautiful location: art galleries and botanical gardens are venue options that won’t need extra decorations.

3. Choose a restaurant: not only will the food be better, but you’ll also have all the tables, chairs and linens you need.

4. Only serve beer and wine: or if cocktails are your thing, create a signature drink to offer your guests.

5. Get a deal on the dress: buy your dress at a sample sale, or consider renting or buying a used one.

6. Minimize your florist bill: use candles as your centrepieces instead of flowers.

7. Make your own wedding album: find a photographer that will give you all of the day’s pictures on a flash drive and use an online tool to create your own photo book.

Fabulous

wedding favours and unique bridal party gifts

Trying to decide on wedding favours? Or maybe you’re wondering what types of gifts to purchase for your bridal party? In either case, here are a few ideas to look into.

FOR THE GUESTS

• Flip flops: these will be a hit when people’s feet start to hurt from dancing

• Flower seeds or bulbs: your guests can grow your wedding flowers at home

• Coaster with your initials: opt for a natural material like cork or wood

FOR THE BRIDESMAIDS

• Tote bags: have hemp or canvas bags personalized with their names

• Jewelry: a dainty necklace or bracelet that matches their dresses

• Floral robes: they’ll have something to wear while getting ready and they’ll look great in your photos

FOR THE GROOMSMEN

• Flasks: if they’re a group that likes to party, these will get a lot of use

• Monogrammed pocket watches: a good timepiece never goes out of style

• Fun socks: men don’t always get a chance to show their personality, so get them some fun socks to wear with their suits

Show some appreciation to your guests and bridal party by giving special wedding favours and gifts. And be sure to accompany the selected token with a simple thank you.

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MATTERS

The facts on gingivitis

Gingivitis is one of the most common oral diseases. Here’s what you need to know to prevent, detect and treat it.

WHAT IS GINGIVITIS?

Gingivitis is a common and mild form of periodontal disease that exhibits the following symptoms:

• Redness, swelling and irritation in the gums

• Tender gums

• Receding gums

• Bleeding gums when brushing or flushing

• Bad breath

WHAT CAUSES IT?

Poor oral hygiene leading to plaque formation is the main cause of gingivitis. Plaque

is a transparent, sticky film that forms on the teeth and is composed of bacteria. It’s the product of starches and sugars interacting with the bacteria naturally found in the mouth. If plaque remains on teeth, it hardens and turns to tartar. Both plaque and tartar irritate the gums, leading to gingivitis.

HOW IS IT PREVENTED?

Prevention involves good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day, floss daily and get your teeth professionally cleaned every six to 12 months. Healthy eating plays an important role too.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

As soon as tartar begins to form on the teeth, professional dental cleaning is required, as tartar can’t be removed with brushing alone. To prevent its reappearance, one needs to change oral cleaning, and perhaps dietary, habits. More advanced cases might require antibiotic medications or even surgery.

WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS?

If left untreated, gingivitis can cause serious complications such as swollen lymph nodes and tooth loss. Prevent this disease: practise good oral hygiene and have your teeth professionally cleaned on a regular basis.

Four tips for preventing ingrown toenails

Onychocryptosis, also known as an ingrown toenail, is a fairly common medical issue. It involves the edge of the toenail piercing then growing into the skin. This generally occurs with the big toe. The result is inflammation, mild discomfort and potentially an infection.

The condition is sometimes caused by genetic factors, such as toenails that naturally curl inward. However, very often you can prevent ingrown toenails: do these four things and you should be safe.

1. Cut your toenails in such a way that they are straight or square rather than rounded, and don’t cut them too short.

2. Don’t wear shoes that constrict your toes, and wear footwear appropriate to the activity you’re doing.

3. Practise good hygiene and change your socks every day.

4. Prevent socks from becoming overly moist by wearing socks and shoes made of breathable materials.

An ingrown toenail can have serious consequences if an infection results. Treatment varies from case to case, so it’s best to seek a diagnosis from a podiatrist. Your podiatrist will be able not only to provide the appropriate treatment but also to determine the source of the problem.

What you need to know about age-related macular degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is a condition that affects over six million people globally and is the leading cause of blindness in North Americans over the age of 55.

WHAT IS AMD?

The eye condition involves the degeneration the macula, the innermost part of the retina, which is responsible for central, high-resolution vision. This type of vision is integral to such activities as reading, driving and recognizing faces. Essentially, macular degeneration causes the centre of your vision to blur, while leaving the side or peripheral vision unaffected.

There are two types of AMD: dry and wet. The dry form accounts for 90 per cent of all cases but the wet form results in the largest number of instances leading to blindness.

SYMPTOMS

In its early stages, AMD doesn’t present symptoms. However, it can be detected during routine eye exams. The first symptom will likely be slightly blurred central vision that occurs while performing tasks for which seeing detail is necessary; glasses won’t correct it.

TREATMENT

Treatment for AMD may involve vitamins, anti-angiogenesis drugs (which have allowed patients to regain their vision in some cases) and laser therapy. There are also magnifying devices that people with AMD can use to maximize their remaining vision.

Early detection of AMD is important, as certain treatments can slow the disease or reduce its severity. Given the absence of symptoms in the initial stages, having eye exams regularly is advisable.

Seven tips for effectively managing your medications

Medications need to be taken correctly in order to work properly and not jeopardize your health and safety. When you have multiple prescriptions, this can become difficult. Here are seven things you can do to simplify managing your medications.

1. To reduce the chances of missing a dose, synchronize taking medication with a daily activity such as brushing your teeth or eating breakfast.

2. Take advantage of services and products offered by your pharmacy. This may include the following:

• Daily call reminders for taking medication

• Online or preauthorized prescription renewal

• Delivery of medication to your home

• Synchronization of renewal dates for your various medication

• Large-print labels

• Easy-to-open packages

• Pillboxes

3. Consult your pharmacist before buying over-the-counter medication (including natural health products) in order to prevent reactions with other medication you’re taking.

4. Gain a thorough knowledge of your medication by asking your pharmacist about it.

5. When taking medication, respect the prescribed dosage and treatment period. If you’ve forgotten a dose, don’t double it: speak to your pharmacist.

6. Properly store your medications: keep them in their original container, far from heat sources or moisture and out of reach of children.

7. Regularly check the expiry dates on your medication. Return expired medication to your pharmacy.

For further advice on how to safely and effectively manage your medications, talk to your pharmacist.

The idea of getting on your mat sometimes can feel less than thrilling. You might feel like your practice is a little stale or you might be less than enthusiastic after the holidays when you may have indulged a little bit more than you usually do day to day. Chances are, you’re feeling a little bit more sluggish and less motivated. On the other hand, you might have set some intentions for the new year, some which might include improving your health.

Invigorate your Yoga Practice

If you’re feeling stuck, or unsure about what to get back to in your yoga practice, I’ve laid out three points for you to consider in order to invigorate your time on the mat, which will have a direct impact on your life off the mat.

1. Try a different type of yoga If you are used to one way of practicing, it might be nice to explore something new. For example, if you are used to a more vigorous style, try a restorative yoga class, where you will make connections to your breath and relaxation response in a new way. Restorative yoga helps to reduce the stress response and it also turns on the digestive system. This may help to create a deeper sense of balance in your nervous system, therefore reduced stress.

2. Set a goal of achieving a new pose This is something that can help you to gain

an increased amount of confidence and discipline. The prep work on the journey to this new pose will keep you focused on small, yet achievable goals. You will be so caught up in the enjoyment of the journey that it will bring arguably more fulfillment than achieving the pose itself. The gradual changes you see will keep you motivated to do more.

3. Refine your transitions It’s easy to get caught up in the alignment of each singular pose (not that this is not important), but the way in which you transition between poses is crucial as well. It means that you are moving with more awareness and intention. It means that you are moving safely to connect each pose. Refining transitions can help to strengthen your balance, it can help you to move better with your breathing. It can also help you to connect more deeply with the parts

of your body that are working. When you connect with the various parts of the body in this way, you will have a better impact on achieving some of the benefits that are available to you, like increased flexibility, strength, stability, and mobility. These three points alone will allow you to get so much more out of your practice. You will gain more discipline and a sense of accomplishment. Not only will this make you feel good about how you show up on the mat, but you can take these same ideas into other areas of your life. Imagine trying a new activity completely unrelated to yoga or setting a new goal of what you would like to achieve with your career. Work on the steps and transitions of what it takes to achieve these things and you are set on a path to achieve all that you desire. Invigorate your practice…invigorate your life.

The power of thought; thinking yourself into a powerful 2019, part 1

Happy New Year Toronto! I hope you don’t mind if I start this edition off with a little prayer. The power of the spoken word has been studied and has been proven to work. Speaking positive words over your year feels like a great place to start.

“Thank you for the opportunity to enter this New Year with our right minds and hearts. Although great things were accomplished last year, we speak power into 2019. Mistakes made will be learned from, and mistakes not yet made will be accepted as learning lessons. Our success is expected because we are willing to work towards our goals, and set our mind for success. WE thank the universe for opening up doors for us and closing the doors that we have stepped through. WE will continue to work towards the good of ourselves, and of the community.”

All right, let’s get started. First step; do away with your resolutions because if you had not started on them in 2018, you are most likely not going to carry through

An interesting subject matter for this month of January. Let me build you a story. You sat with yourself on New Year’s and reflected on the year that had just past, all the lessons you learned, relationships that came and went, the struggles you endured and decided that 2019 was going to be different. You set goals, reminded yourself that you are worth it and can achieve. You created lists and plans for execution.

Then January 2nd, 2019 hit, and you are out with friends. You decide to share your discoveries and talk about your plans for the new year. Then it happens, the questions. “Well, how are you actually going to achieve that” “Be realistic that isn’t

with them. Resolutions are a wonderful concept in theory, but reality shows what most of our resolutions are dissolved by the beginning of February. “Well, now what,” you might be asking? “How do I make positive changes for my future?” “How do I set the goals that I need in order to accomplish my success?” It all starts in the mind.

As you get older, it gets harder and harder to change aspects of yourself. Actually, after the age of 25, it is near impossible. Now, do realize that I said near impossible, not impossible. Majority of the changes that we make after the age of 25 are due to traumatic events. We really have to feel pain in order to make changes that we should have made years ago. Why is that? Well, the unfortunate answer is that is just how our brains work. The only true way to start moving forward is to realize that you might have been moving backward this whole time.

Not all of us were given the correct directions when we were younger, and due to that, we are walking through life lost as hell. We were all given a compass, but not many of us were taught how to use it, or if we were taught, we have been going the wrong direction. In saying that, at some point, you have to accept responsibility for your actions, and make the changes necessary in order to truly live the life you want to live. This will mean that you have to completely reset your mind (your compass),

and start from where you are. This month, I am going to help you out with that by providing you with some thought-provoking ideas that will help to change your life. Now, this change has to be for you, not for your friends, family or spouse. The motivation has to be internal and not created from external pressures. You ready? Let’s begin.

The majority of my quotes are from a book that I came across about 12 years ago. A Thousand Paths to a Peaceful Life, by David Baird, has been a go-to book since it fell into my lap. It has allowed me to ask some tough questions and figure out the answers to my own self-destructive behavior. I will present one of the quotes with an explanation, and then you can join my next edition, where I will provide you with some more paths to a peaceful life.

“One hand washes the other.”

For all of those people who think that they can do this life thing alone, you are sorely mistaken. Humans need each other, and there is no way around it. Your first step for the New Year is to find the other hands that are willing to wash with you, learn with you, and create with you. Choose wisely, and trust your gut when choosing these people.

SPECIAL NOTE; these people may not be who you think they are, so remain open to all opportunities.

who you are” “It does happen that way, you need to” and I could go on and on. You feel defeated and it’s just the second day of the year.

Well here’s what I am going to advise you to do. Set your goals anyways. Stand in your space alone if you have to, but don’t give up on what you want. Those that are aligned with your goals will come out of the woodwork to encourage and support you. We all have people in our lives that we can and can’t share our goals with, unfortunately. We have the cheerleaders and then the wet blankets. It’s just the diversity of life. However, we need to protect ourselves from the wet blankets. From the ones that want to take our light. If they are still in your life, because you work with them, or they are family or maybe even your spouse (sorry about that if it is) you have to really weigh out how much you share with them and how much time you spend around them. We all have choices in our life. We really do, sometimes you feel that you don’t, but you really do. If you are wanting 2019 to be a year of change, you are going to really need to arm yourself

with tools to take you there. So here are a few suggestions.

Set your intentions (goals) for the year and make sure you post them everywhere that you can see them. The first month of the year is always great but it takes some stamina to really push through the rest of the year.

Create a plan and work the plan. The plan will align your intentions and the actions will get you the results.

If you find you need help with focus find an accountability partner, group or coach to help you this year and make sure you stay on track.

Lastly, find positive people and organizations to align yourself with. This will help you stay committed as you are feeling happy about life. It’s important to be in this space and have people aligned here with us.

Whatever you want 2019 to look like you can have it. Choose who you spend your time with, be smart about your choices and lean into change. You got this!

Is your will foolproof? How to avoid challenges to wills

Now that we have entered a new year some persons may be thinking of making a will to ensure that their estate is managed smoothly after they die. Although making a will is very important, it is equally important to ensure that the will is foolproof and will not be challenged in court after you pass away. The Courts are replete with actions brought by disgruntled loved ones who seek to challenge a will. What are some of the things that can open a will to challenges in court?

One of the grounds for challenging a will is that the testator may not have

2018 was filled with many significant personal and professional achievements and ended on a high. The week of December 17th began with one successful meeting or event after another. The evening of the 17th ended with a very positive Human Resources meeting. I had two motions that were referred to this committee and while I can’t discuss the details of the meeting I will say that I left feeling a sense of hope, that equity and inclusion for all students could be a reality at the Peel District School Board (PDSB).

On the 18th the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) meeting was very productive. The PDSB staff updated Trustees and SEAC members about supports and resources for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, both the presentation and the feedback were invaluable.

On Wednesday the Poverty Report and the PDSB Action Plan was unveiled. A well thought out logic model was presented as well as clear targets and goals. This was discussed at length during the December 27th edition of my column.

had the capacity to make a will. Lack of testamentary capacity most often occurs if the testator does not have the presence of mind to understand that he or she is making a will. The testator must also understand and be aware of the amount of property he or she owns, understand the extent of what he is giving to his beneficiaries under the will and remembers the people who should normally benefit under the will. Once suspicious circumstances are found, then the persons seeking to probate the will must prove that the testator had the capacity to make the will.

As highlighted in cases such as Laframboise v. Laframboise, 2011 ONSC a testator may have a mental disorder but still have the capacity to make a will. In that case, the court found that despite the fact that the testator suffered from depression and mood swings he still had testamentary capacity. A testator may suffer from memory loss and other cognitive challenges or be unable to

take care of himself but still, have testamentary capacity. In Re Weidenberger Estate, [2002] A.J. No 1157 the court stated that: ‘The fact that the deceased was mentally ill and suffered from confusion is not determinative as to whether the deceased did or did not have the requisite testamentary capacity. Cognitive impairment or confusion alone is not grounds for declaring a person incapable of making a will.

Even a testator who suffers from delusions may still be found to have testamentary capacity unless the delusion is of the type that is classified as insanity and affects his judgment in relation to his property and beneficiaries.

It is clear that having mental health issues does not in itself mean that a person lacks testamentary capacity. However, one way to safeguard against allegations of testamentary incapacity is to make a will before the occurrence of advanced age or advanced illness.

Wills can also be challenged on the ground that there was undue influence or duress exerted upon the testator that caused him to dispose of his property in a way that he did not wish to. The risk of undue influence is greater with a testator who is old and depends on someone to take care of him. As stated in Duschl vs Duschl Estate a claim of undue influence may succeed if it is shown that the testator was placed under such coercion that if he could speak, he would say “This is not my wish, but I must do it’. However, it is not enough to show that the party benefitting under the will had the power to coerce the testator. That person must have actually exercised that power and caused the testator to make a will against his wishes. One way of preventing claims of undue influence is to ensure that beneficiaries are not present when the will is being made. Furthermore, it is important to note that if a beneficiary or his or her spouse witnesses a will, the gift to that beneficiary will be void.

On Thursday night we had the We Rise Together Community Advisory (WRTCA) meeting. The WRTCA is an advisory body of the PDSB that provides input into the We Rise Together Action Plan (WRTAP), the PDSB action plan to support black students. The Board wants to ensure that the PDSB mission “to inspire success confidence and hope in all students” really means all students. At this meeting Dr. Carl James, the Jean Augustine Chair in education at York University presented some findings of research being conducted. Dr. James’ research and the findings as well as the PDSB response to his research will be discussed in depth in a future article.

June’s provincial election was full of surprises. While the writing was on the wall for the Liberals very few expected a Progressive Conservative majority government and the Liberals would lose their official party status. Mitzie Hunter and Michael Coteau both retained their seats. Education 2019 is on course for an eventful year.

On October 2nd the Trustees of the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board (OCDSB) appointed Camille Williams-Taylor as their Director of Education. Ms. WilliamsTaylor will be responsible for the operational aspect of the OCDSB. She will oversee approximately 1 billion dollars annually and will lead 143 schools, 73,000 students 10,000 educators and thousands of parents and community partners to provide an outstanding educational experience for all. Ms.Taylor is Canada’s third black Director of Education

and OCDSB’s first.

Municipalities across Ontario held elections. In Brampton we had a lot to celebrate as we elected Charmaine Williams as the city councilor for wards 7 and 8. This energetic mother of five won the election the old fashioned way. She pounded the pavement and shared her ambitious and practical vision for the city. I was also re-elected to the PDSB as well as David Green. PDSB retired superintendent of Education and tireless advocate for equity, Dr. Elizabeth Sinclair-Artwell was elected as a trustee for the York Regional District School Board. Durham District School Board re-elected Patrice Barnes from North Ajax.

Kangaroo Court was in session on December 4th as community advocate and judge, Donald Mcleod had to defend his actions over his role in an organization he founded, the Federation of Black Canadians. Justice McLeod is a man who is currently enjoying a relatively comfortable existence but is willing to share his experiences growing up in Regent Park and being raised by a single mother. The trumped up charges and accusations were made in my humble opinion to derail and to silence a black man that has made it by the sweat of his brow and was “getting too big for his britches”. He’s a family man, a man with an attractive salary that really doesn’t need the headache, exhaustion and often thankless job of advocating for the voiceless, but he does it anyway.

In a classic textbook “Willie Lynch Letter” style attack, our own people helped

lead the charge to discredit this honorable man who merely wants to ensure that less brothers are dying on the streets, that more sisters graduate, more black men step up and be present for their children and most importantly that the systemic barriers that are contributing to the predicament of the black community are dismantled. Instead of celebrating the fact the Justice Mcleod did not forget his roots when he “arrived” and celebrating that he is still deeply connected to the community and can still be an impartial, compassionate and just judge, some try to defame him. Complaint dismissed, to the delight of many he was vindicated on December 20th.

December 21st ended with a spectacular event. PARANG. I would encourage anyone that has never experienced this to try something new Christmas 2019. On Friday evening I ushered in the holidays with a Parang lime at a friend’s house. For me Christmas was quiet; filled with church, and hanging out at home doing puzzles, building Lego, watching Sanford and Sons reruns and playing Risk, Trouble, Balderdash, Scrabble and Spot It. The laughter and sheer joy of watching my four children laughing and having fun together was priceless. So journey with me in 2019 as we strive to continue to make gains in the educational arena so the all children including African Canadians, Black and Caribbean children will be the best versions of themselves. Walk Good! Belle Marché.

To keep a statute or remove a statue

BRITTNEY CHANNER

brittney@carib101.com

Happy New Year! First off, let me say welcome back to all the dedicated readers who kept up with all of the latest entries regarding my column. With that being said, I would also like to welcome, new readers, who are in search of information, insightful discussion or general knowledge about how they can educate themselves or partake in their own form of social justice.

Within the past year or so, we have seen different forms of social justice unfold in front of our very eyes. Whether it be through online spaces which have contributed to an increase in social activism or through public protests, which have been the result of a number of prevailing social justice matters; what we do know is that within the 21st century, many people are now speaking up against matters that do not promote equality, fairness, and positivity.

In addition, on top of speaking out against unjust issues that arise, there has been a recent trend of the removal of historical statues of persons or symbols that represent any form of racist/discriminatory past. It has also been argued that statues of this nature are deemed to be offensive as they are not in line with the current belief system of modern day society.

A great example of this can be seen in the United States, specifically Virginia, Baltimore, and St Louis wherein the wake of the Charleston church shooting in the month of June 2015, spawned for the removal of memorials on public property that commemorated the Confederate States of America. The recent uproar for the removal of these statues stems from the belief that they glorify white supremacy and memorialize a government whose main principle was the expansion and maintenance of slavery.

Those who are against the removal of these statutes stated that they were in place to honor the historical significance and the contribution that it adds to American history. However, detractors

of this argument state that these memorials were not built to honor but as a means of intimidating African Americans and endorsing white supremacy. On the other hand, those who do not agree with the removal of these memorials state that keeping them will educate the public on the ugly truth of America’s history and can essentially provide insightful discussion on how to avoid similar situations such as those of the past.

The debate surrounding this issue has brought forth quite a bit of controversy and has left a nation divided with sensitive racial tensions unexplored. A closer to home example of this issue occurred in Victoria, British Columbia last August as a number of people called for the removal of a John A. Macdonald statue within the city’s core. For those who are unaware, Mr. Macdonald was the first Prime Minister of Canada and under his leadership, Canada was extended from sea to sea giving the nation its geographical coherence.

However, what many Canadians fail to realize is that John A. Macdonald was the architect of the Indian Residential School System. The residential school system’s primary objective was to remove and isolate children of Indigenous decent from the influence of their traditions and family and assimilate them into dominant European culture.

Supporters of the removal of his statue in Victoria state that the image of him being allowed to stand in the heart of the city without being challenged, especially as it is directly outside of a government building, sends a disrespectful message to First Nation people and doesn’t align with Canada’s current multicultural society of inclusion and acceptance.

As the trend to remove more statutes across North America continue to arise, I do believe it is important to have valid discussions surrounding the criticisms of these statues. As shown in Victoria with the development of the Victoria Reconciliation Dialogues, which allow residents to provide feedback on the best way to recognize and acknowledge history through appropriate lenses; creating a safe and wider space for proper dialogue can help aid in preserving historical significance while ensuring proper and appropriate context of that history is maintained.

What are your thoughts? Should the city of Victoria remove the Statute of John A. Macdonald?

Kitchen cabinets that aren’t white

For years, many kitchen renovations have focused on white cabinets. While popular, this choice can be uninspiring and often difficult to keep clean. Here are three ideas for your kitchen cabinets that will stand the test of time but have a bit more personality than white alone.

1. BLONDE

WOOD

Naturally pale wood combines the fresh, airy feel of white cabinets with the warm, homey feel of a cottage kitchen. Think light-coloured Nordic influences rather than the dark, lacquered stains from decades past.

2. GREY

Grey cabinets are great for kitchens because they’re neutral but add the kind of visual interest that you

can’t get with white. No matter your style, there’s a grey that will work for your kitchen. Go for an almost-white tone for an unexpected twist or try a charcoal hue for a more dramatic, elegant look.

3. TWO-TONE

There’s no rule that says all cabinets have to be same. Double down on the grey trend by painting the lowers charcoal and the uppers a pale grey to make your ceilings look higher. Or experiment with colour by pairing a bold-hued island with natural wood cabinets.

Choosing one of these stylish options will add character to your kitchen in a way that white cabinets alone can’t.

The three types of lighting you should have in your home

Most design experts agree that the key to good lighting is having multiple layers of light that complement each other and fulfill different roles in the space. In general, homes require three basic types of lighting:

1. Ambient lighting. A room’s main source of lighting, often provided by chandeliers, pendant lighting or ceiling-mount lights. This layer sets the overall tone of the room, but it should only be the starting point of your lighting design.

2. Task lighting. A type of lighting that illuminates areas where you need extra brightness for performing specific tasks, such as reading, cooking or working at a computer. For instance, you could install a hanging light fixture over the kitchen sink or install a lamp next to your preferred reading chair.

3. Accent lighting. Lighting used to highlight unique architectural features or certain objects, such as paintings, sculptures, decorative accessories or antique collectibles. Accent lighting should be concealed as much as possible since its purpose is to illuminate without being too obvious.

Using different types of lighting in each room allows you to change the intensity of the light according to how you’re using the space at the time and keeps you from relying on a single overhead light that may be too bright or create a lot of shadows.

Interior designer vs. interior decorator: what’s the difference?

You’ve probably heard the terms interior designer and interior decorator used interchangeably. However, they actually describe two different but similar professions.

Interior designers complete two- or four-year degree programs that involve studying subjects like colour theory, architecture, computer-aided design and spatial planning.

They work with architects and contractors to plan and renovate spaces and can be involved in every step of the remodelling process, from drawing up floor plans to adding the final touches.

Interior decorators focus on esthetics. They help transform spaces that are already built by making recommendations about paint colours, furniture styles, lighting and accessories. They’re not required to complete professional training (though many decorators do), and they usually work directly with businesses and homeowners.

SHOULD I HIRE A DESIGNER OR A DECORATOR?

If you need help with designs during a renovation, it’s best to go with an interior designer. They’ll help you create a space that serves your specific needs and aligns with your particular tastes. However, if you’re mainly looking to update the appearance of a space, a decorator can help you achieve a whole new look by rearranging and redecorating.

In the end, what matters most is not the job title, but the skills of the designer or decorator in question. Choose a company or professional with a reputation for high-quality designs and expertise in the type of work you’re looking for.

How to organize your bedroom for better sleep

If you have trouble winding down at night, your bedroom may be part of the problem. Here are four tips on how to organize your bedroom to achieve optimal sleep.

1. Invest in your bed. Don’t skimp when it comes to the quality of your mattress — your comfort directly affects the quality of your sleep. If your mattress is over seven years old, shows signs of wear or simply doesn’t feel comfortable, it’s time to invest in a new one. You should also select quality bedding; choose sheets with high thread counts made from materials like Egyptian cotton or satin.

2. Pay attention to lighting. Darkness is vital for allowing your body to go into sleep mode. Make sure your curtains and blinds adequately block out natural light (buy blackout curtains if necessary) and choose light bulbs with lower wattages.

3. Get rid of clutter. A cluttered bedroom can create anxiousness so it’s therefore best to keep your room well organized and accessories to a minimum. Don’t forget that your bed should be the focal point of the room.

4. Limit electronics. Electronic screens emit a blue light that can keep you awake. Avoid placing a TV in your bedroom and consider charging your phone in a closed drawer when trying to sleep.

One final tip: if you regularly struggle with sleep, think about getting an air purifier for your bedroom. Not only do they make it easier to breathe, but they also create white noise that blocks out disruptive sounds.

Choosing the truck that’s right for you

Truck owners typically use their pickup for one of four things: hunting, hauling, small jobs or transporting family members. Here are the key elements to consider before purchasing a truck destined for one of these uses.

1. FOR HUNTING

Hunting trips very often venture along logging roads or even offroad. Such excursions require a truck adapted for these conditions. To safely navigate this terrain, your vehicle needs to include certain features, such as a limited-slip differential, skid plates, high ground clearance and suitable tires. Here are a few models that meet these criteria:

• Chevrolet Silverado Z71

• Ram Rebel

• Ford F-150 FX4

• Toyota Tundra TRD Pro

• Nissan Titan Pro-4X

2. FOR HAULING

On the question of which truck is the ultimate workhorse, don’t expect a consensus among truck drivers. This much, however, can be agreed upon: if you’re pulling a heavy load, you need a heavy duty diesel truck; and if it’s a reasonably-sized trailer or boat you’re towing, or a motorcycle or snowmobile, a smaller truck will do the job. That said, no two trucks are made equal. Looking at the figures, here are a few that stand out for their towing capabilities:

• Ford F-150 3.5 EcoBoost: has the top towing capacity at 12,100 lbs and also has the most power and most torque.

• Ram Ecodiesel: has the best fuel efficiency and can tow up to 10,670 lbs.

• Chevrolet Silverado 6.2: can tow up to 11,460 pounds and is particularly enjoyable to drive.

3. FOR SMALL JOBS

Bigger isn’t always better. If you want a good all-round truck designed for smaller jobs, here are some models to consider:

• Honda Ridgeline: an excellent choice for people who want the best of two worlds: the practicality of a truck and the feel of an SUV.

• Toyota Tacoma: this indestructible Toyota model continues to be a synonym for reliability and durability. Not the most comfortable truck, but it’s tireless and can easily venture into the thicket.

• Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Canyon: less for work, more for pleasure, these two GM trucks aren’t suitable for big jobs, but can manage smaller ones perfectly.

4. FOR FAMILIES

The phrase “family vehicle” usually brings to mind vans and SUVs; however, trucks can certainly fall into this category too. Certain models can comfortably seat six people, all while providing a ton of space in the back. There are in fact a number of trucks designed specifically for families. Here are several examples:

• Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra: these are the largest trucks of the bunch, with the most spacious interiors. They also offer the greatest number of family-oriented features, such as Wi-Fi Hotspot, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

• Ford F-150: some F-150 models are highly luxurious and include impressive SYNC voice-recognition technology and touch screens.

• Ram 1500: the only truck on this list with independent suspension and therefore the smoothest ride.

• Toyota Tundra: it isn’t the most spacious, and it’s far from being the most comfortable, but it’s the most dependable (no small thing).

Caution: heavy key chains can damage your ignition switch

Do you carry all your keys on the same key chain? If so, you would be wise to remove your car key from the bunch. The heavy weight of multiple keys will place a burden on the car key, and therefore the ignition switch, while driving.

As you accumulate miles behind the wheel, the weight of a bundle of keys, together with the effects from bumps and vibrations, can cause the lock housing to wear prematurely and eventually lead to your vehicle’s starter failing. In extreme cases, the ignition switch is tugged out and the motor shuts off.

To keep your ignition switch in good working order for many years, keep your car key on a light key chain that holds no more than one or two other keys. Heeding this advice could spare you a huge expense in the long run.

Electric cars: number of models available will soon hit 100

After having combed the press releases from car manufacturers, the magazine Automotive News reported that by 2022, there will be close to 100 different electric car models on the road.

Several companies are leading the charge but most notably Ford. The American carmaker plans to spend US$11 billion dollars on a slew of new products, starting with an electric car inspired by the Mustang, which is expected to come out in 2020. The company hopes to have 40 hybrids and electric cars on the market by 2022.

General Motors and Nissan have ambitious plans too. GM aims to come out with more than 20 new electric cars by 2023,

while Nissan aims to come out with eight new electric cars in the same amount of time and to make the bulk of their Infinity line electric by 2021. Mercedes-Benz, Audi, BMW and Volkswagen also have projects in the works: expect to see new hybrid or electric models from these companies in the near future.

A number of smaller companies are also putting their hat in the ring. For instance, the American start-up Faraday Future will start manufacturing the “ultra-luxury” electric vehicle it unveiled this year. And another American company, Lucid Motors, is planning to launch a 1000-hp luxury sedan with a 400-mile range in 2020 (thanks to a one billion dollar investment from Saudi Arabia it received last year).

ARIES

The party’s not over yet and there are still many reasons to celebrate. At work, a demanding client will overwhelm you.

TAURUS

Time is becoming a sparse commodity, but you can’t afford to neglect any of your responsibilities. Your boss may ask you to go into work even on your day off.

GEMINI

There may be a last minute vacation in the works. Learning a new skill will excite you and you’ll start to think about going back to school.

CANCER

The beginning of a new year is always an emotional time for you. Personally and professionally, there are many new challenges on the horizon.

LEO

Pay attention to your loved ones; it’s possible that your happy life will be disrupted by a misunderstanding. You may need to treat those you care about with kid gloves.

VIRGO

It’s time to clean up. The holidays are over and you now need to move on to more serious things. An unexpected departure may land you the job of your dreams.

LIBRA

This is the perfect time to start taking care of yourself. You’ll discover your passion in life, which will make you want to start working towards a new goal.

SCORPIO

Whether you’re on vacation or not, you’ll spend more time with your family this week. If you have an opening in your schedule, take advantage of it by redecorating or rearranging your furniture.

SAGITTARIUS

There’s either too much going on or not enough; there’s no happy medium. When you want time to yourself, there will be a crowd of people around you; when you’re alone, you’ll miss your friends.

CAPRICORN

You’ll take a few hours this week to return or exchange gifts at the mall. While you’re there, you’ll find some great deals and decide to treat yourself.

AQUARIUS

Take advantage of your time off this week and plan activities with family or friends. You won’t want to sit still this week, so even if you’re alone, you’ll take off on an adventure.

PISCES

You’ll be confused and easily distracted this week. The last few weeks have left you exhausted, so make sure you use your time off to relax.

FOR SALE FOR RENT

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PROPERTY FOR SALE: Gorgeous modern 5 bedroom, 3 1/2 baths bungalow on 1/3 acre. Located Harrasglade Four Paths Clarendon. Mostly returning residence, can be a gated community. Price $24 million negotiable. Contact Michael 437 219 8119

JAMAICA: Land in Jamaica for sale at Southfield St. Elizabeth Near the ocean side. Call Roy 416.704.4096

LAND FOR SALE: 1/3 Acre of land in New Wales, Manchester, 5 minutes from Mandeville with utilities and good roadCAD. $40,000. Call 647-884-8977

OFFICE: Newly renovated and Modern furnished office space for rent. 2 desks,Internet phone connection Receptionist If needed. bus stop in front. Call 416434-5710

LIVE IN: Looking for a female to cook and clean, live in. Call 647-343-9480

CLEANERS WANTED: Need Subcontractor Cleaners Serious Callers,Must speak English, Midnight Shifts and Must Drive. GTA locations. Text or Call 647-239-4808

ASSEMBLER: Coey Stairs is looking for a jr stair assembler. We will train you; you will be making treads, cleaning, installing and learning at the same time. Email debbie@coey.ca call 905.494.1099

FOR SALE WANTED

RECORDS & LP’S: Wanted Old Jamaican Records LP’s or 45’s to added to my Jamaican Collectors Archives catalogue Call Les 905-999-6184

LOOKING: Young guy, 50, looking for female 30-50 for a serious friendship, relationship or companionship. Call Andrew 905-939-7880

Moving and Delivery Services | Van Moving $60/hr | Van Delivery $50 | 416-5709065

FOR SALE WORSHIP

SUNDAY SERVICE: Fountain of Truth Ministries Pastor: Reverend Maxine Campbell Worship Address: 2170 Kipling Avenue, Etobicoke Percy Johnson School –Cafeteria Sundays: 10.am – 2. pm Teaching, Worship, Ministering For info call: 416 748 0211

MISSISSAUGA: Mississauga Missionary Baptist Church invites you to join us at 1620 Dundas St West, each Sunday at 10am for praise, worship and in-depth Bible teaching with Pastor Sean, 416-219-9137

Bus: 416-748-7900

Fax:

Email: shaniff@trebnet.com 100 Westmore Dr #12 B

Ont. M9V 5c3

My first place of residence was in an apartment building in Scarborough, Lyn Valley. I was advised by my friends and relatives to buy the best furniture and appliances because when I would eventually buy my home, I could keep them. That was a mistake because back then, condos were selling for about $40,000. All I needed was 10% or $4,000. I chose instead to buy an expensive bedroom set for about the same cost. I took advice from the wrong person. I confided in the person who was closest to me but was not necessarily the right person. You should not go to the mechanic when your head hurts and similarly to the doctor when your

Life lessons learned

car breaks down.

When I bought my first home, I relied on a friend who introduced me to a realtor. He showed me one home in Malton and convinced me to buy it. The sellers were his friends and they eventually bought another home from him. The home I bought was roach infested and required work. I paid above market value. The realtor assisted me to arrange a mortgage through a mortgage broker. I paid huge brokerage fees and had a first and second mortgage.

I also have assisted many people financially and have received the wrong end of the stick. Both the money and friendships disappeared. I assisted a client who relocated to Mexico and had an outstanding loan. She asked if I could assist and she would repay in a few weeks. It’s been over 10 years now and I am still hoping. I have come to understand that if someone does not have money in the first place, how can they afford to repay you? It’s best to give and forget than to lend and repent.

In the mid-’90s, a friend, top-notch accountant, advised me to have a mixed in-

vestment portfolio. I had a few rental properties then and with his advice, I bought mutual funds. About seven years later, I sold it at a loss and moved on. I learned to stick with what I know best. Had I used the money to buy a few more rental properties, things could have been different.

In 1988, a potential buyer asked me to show him a home in Scarborough. He was living in Mississauga. After visiting the home, he requested that I drop him off a few blocks down the road by his daughter. On my way driving home I realized that he used me as an unpaid taxi cab driver.

Today I work differently. I ask more qualifying questions. I found that by asking more questions, I can assess the client’s need and assist them better. At the same time, I can throw out the bad apples.

I had a client who always introduced himself as “Reverend”. It turned out that he was a scam artist. On the other hand, my doctor would refer to himself by his first name and not by his title. Today, anytime someone introduces themselves to me by their title, I interpret it as a warning signal.

I assisted a couple that were having family disputes, to sell their home. I got the offer signed by the husband and had to meet his wife in the mall. She was with her sisters and begged me not to let her husband know. Later her husband called and questioned me. I did not mention that she was with her sisters. The bad news is that he eventually found out and unleashed his anger against me. Lesson learned is not to get caught in the crossfire because you are getting bullets from both sides.

For investors, I rewarded good tenants by not giving them a rental increase. Most of my rental properties are underperforming. Now, I reward my tenants differently but give them a rental increase as allowed by the guidelines.

I hope that these life lessons act as lighthouses in the dark and stormy seas of our lives. Osker Wilde, the famous poet and playwright, put it into perspective “Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.” Let’s learn from experiences.

With Alyssa Mahadeo EVERY FRIDAY 1-2PM EST

A show discussing community advocacy, finding solutions, overcoming obstacles and searching for trail blazers working towards positive change.

Setting goals for 2019

So, 2018 is now behind us. For some, it’s a year we would rather forget and for some, it’s a year in history. But I always say that life is like a running river and we can step in the same place twice. In thinking of 2019, we would either be setting goals or making New Year’s resolutions. There are significant differences between the two. Regarding your resolutions, it means that you are resolving yourself to do something. Either a new habit that you plan to cultivate or an old one that you plan to stop, on the other hand, goal setting is quite different.

In respect to New Year’s resolutions, here are some common ones that I see every year. Go to the gym, lose weight, get fit, quit

“Life insurance isn’t about protecting you, it’s about protecting those you love. If those you love don’t need protection, then some would argue you don’t need life insurance.” That’s how some people and advisors feel about it. Below is an example of when to know it’s time to walk away from your policy and the expense. Life insurance is probably one of the least understood major expenses. Many people buy it when they don’t need it. Just as many need it and don’t buy it. This is an email I received last month...

“I am wondering if I should drop my whole life insurance policy, I feel that this has been a total waste of my money. I’ve had the policy for over 20 years. My children are grown up and have families of their own, my house is paid off, and I have a decent amount of money in the bank. But I pay monthly for life insurance. I feel that when the time comes, my children or siblings can use my savings for any expenses. I hope this is enough information. Please tell me, what do you think?” Thank you, Ann-Marie

smoking, improve myself, manage my debt, save money, and take a family vacation. These are all resolutions, thing that you resolve to do, but I encourage you to set goals in respect to the things that really matter to you, to be able to accomplish them.

So how is goal setting different then? Goal setting is specific. It requires details and follows the SMART acronym, which is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and time sensitive. Let’s say that your resolution is to lose weight, if you were to transfer this to a goal, you would now have to say how much weight you plan to lose, whether its attainable, are you being realistic about the amount you plan to lose, how you are going to go about doing it, for example how many days are you going to exercise and which gym are you joining. When you have gone through this exercise you are more likely to achieve your goal than if it remains a resolution.

So now let’s look at some financial goals that you should focus on in 2019. A simple method for increasing your wealth is to earn more, spend less, save and invest more. Well, it’s a simple method but not eas-

A major component of life insurance is if those you leave behind will suffer financially from your death. This is typical when you have kids, debt, and a one-income household – that’s when losing a breadwinner can be tragic. When you’ve paid off the house, the kids are gone, the savings account is topped off, and your death is just a reason for your family and friends to get together and celebrate your life, then the need for life insurance is not so critical.

Anne-Marie told us two things suggesting it may be ok to drop her policy:

Kids are all grown up - Parents often consider dropping or reducing their coverage once the kids are out of the house and on to their own careers and lives. Anne-Marie’s death may be sad for those she leaves behind, but it won’t be financially catastrophic. This is the primary reason for life insurance, and she doesn’t need it for that purpose.

Her house is paid off - When you die and leave your mortgaged house to a loved one like a spouse. They can just assume the mortgage, but with children, the transfer of the house will cause taxable consequences for them. In either case, however, the mortgage might not be affordable. So, life insurance can come in handy by paying off the mortgage. Since Anne-Marie’s is paid off, once again life insurance isn’t needed for that purpose.

ily achievable by all. I would encourage you this year to increase your earning capacity by improving your skill at your job and by perhaps working a little harder. Spending less is something that we do have control over but the urge and ease with which we can spend is a trap, if you can’t control the credit card, cut it up or lock it away. I have three credit cards, but there is one in my pocket, I don’t wish to be tempted to make purchases easily. Do not buy things you don’t need, or eventually, you will have to sell things that you do need. Save and invest more. What if you had saved 10% of all of your paychecks since you got your first, how much would have saved by now? What if you now add a compound interest of just 5%, can you imagine your savings? In 2019 decide that you will reduce your net income by 10% and save it first before you pay your bills, much different from what you do now; you pay bills and save what’s left over, not good! Where should you save this 10%? There are many financial instruments, perhaps a TFSA or RRSP, you have to ask a financial advisor to guide you.

Was it really a waste of money?

In Ann-Marie’s case, it may not have been a total waste of money. That’s because she has a whole life policy, as opposed to a term policy. I’ve talked about the differences, the benefits and disadvantages of the two before. When you buy a term policy, you have to die to get money from the insurance company. But whole life combines a death benefit with a savings account.

A couple of options she has available to her would be; she could just surrender the policy and take her money just like closing a bank account. She should be aware of taxes though. The interest she earned on the savings portion of her policy was tax-deferred, meaning she didn’t pay income taxes on it. When she takes it out, she’ll have to pay taxes. An option that bypasses taxes would be to borrow against the savings with a policy loan. Another option would be for Ann-Marie to stop making premium payments in two different ways. The first way is for the insurance company to use her accumulated savings to continue funding her premiums until they’re used up. The second is called reduced paid-up insurance, meaning she can stop the coverage amount at the amount she has fully paid for and drop the rest.

If the premiums are unmanageable, she could ask the beneficiary to help make them. Then she could continue paying the policy and transfer the death benefit tax-free. The main point here is to educate yourself on all your options by speaking with experienced professionals.

Umpire apologizes for his mistakes… West Indies is getting a new head coach and a preview of England Tour of West Indies

KAYLA KARIM

kayla@carib101.com

TC REPORTER

After a controversial call against the West Indies, umpire, Tanvir Ahmed apologized for his mistakes. It was a couple of no-ball calls that some may say changed the pace of the third T20I between Bangladesh and the West Indies earlier in December.

This call caused an 8-minute break in the match due to West Indies captain Carlos Brathwaite protesting against the decision. Brathwaite was clearly unhappy with the decision where he continued to converse with the fourth umpire, Sharfuddoula and match referee,

Jeff Crowe, however, Brathwaite was told that the no-ball was not able to be reviewed.

Ahmed stated that he has a good track record as an umpire and that the call was a mistake on his part.

“If you look at my past, I don’t have a bad history. It was one mistake. Every person has good days and bad days. Yesterday I had a bad day. The match just ended yesterday. I am not focusing on anything else. I am thinking about my mistake.”

Tanvir Ahmed officiated all of the matches in the T20I series.

West Indies won the match followed by a postgame press conference where Brathwaite reacted very strongly saying he already had a word with the other umpires about the previous decisions after the second T20I on Thursday.

Richard Pybus to become West Indies new head coach

After concluding the final T20 series for 2018, the West Indies have named current highperformance director, Richard Pybus, as the

full-time head coach. Replacing Nic Pothas, Pybus’ contract will run until the 2019 Test Series against India following the ODI World Cup in England.

Nic Pothsas, the original fielding coach was named as the interim head coach for the recent tour of Bangladesh shortly after Stuart Law departed.

Richard Pybus started in the newly created role, High Performance Director in February 2018. Prior to taking on this position with the West Indies, he left his previous role of director of cricket in 2016. Earlier in his coaching career, Pybus coached Pakistan taking them to finals of the 1999 World Cup as well as working with a number of domestic teams around the world. His last stint with an international team came when Pybus worked with Bangladesh as their head coach for only five months as there was a disagreement over the terms of his contract in 2012.

The High Performance Director contract was initially a two-year contract allowing him to work alongside selectors and coaches across multiple levels in cricket in the Caribbe -

an. Pybus had previously served as the West Indies’ director of cricket from 2013 to the end of 2016 where he chose not to renew his contract.

Although three years were spent with the West Indies, Pybus was not welcomed by everyone in the organization. Darren Sammy, who was the captain of the West Indies at the time Pybus was in office, made clear on Twitter that he was unimpressed with the decision.

“Lies, lies, lies... Must be fake news,” Sammy tweeted, and a day later, in response to a reply: “Well I’m still hoping that nightmare is not true #fakenews he’s not coming back at CWI.

The West Indies has been without a permanent head coach since Stuart Law resigned in September 2018. Forty-nine-year-old Stuart Law stayed for less than two years on the job. He left West Indies and signed a four-year contract with the English county team, Middlesex.

Law helped improve the West Indies’ standings in Tests in addition to securing a spot in the 2019 World Cup.

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